According to Mediaite, Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican presidential candidate, has renewed his pledge to pardon former President Donald Trump if he is found guilty of federal charges. Ramaswamy is urging all other presidential candidates, regardless of party affiliation, to make the same commitment. Standing outside the Miami courthouse where Trump is set to be arraigned, Ramaswamy used the opportunity to advocate for his commitment to “TRUTH” and called on his fellow candidates to sign a letter on his campaign’s letterhead.
Ramaswamy acknowledged that signing the letter might be challenging for other candidates due to pressure from the donor class, which is advising Republican candidates to distance themselves from Trump and the charges against him. However, Ramaswamy expressed his refusal to align with the donor class and urged other candidates to do the same.
During his speech, Ramaswamy emphasized that candidates who refuse to sign the pledge should be prepared to explain their reasons for not promising to pardon the twice-impeached and twice-indicted former president. He has been promoting this pledge since the announcement of Trump’s indictment. While some GOP presidential candidates have shown support for Trump, others have campaigned explicitly against him. On Monday, Nikki Haley and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) issued statements critical of Trump.
It’s gonna be difficult for those other candidates to sign this letter. The reason it’s gonna be difficult for them is the same reason it’s difficult for me. The donor class has been calling every Republican candidate and telling us to stay away from this. Not to touch it from a ten-foot pole. Keep your distance away from Trump. That is what the donor class is telling us, that’s what they’re telling the other candidates. I refuse to abide by being a disciple of the donor class.
Ramaswamy mentioned all candidates in his speech but specifically singled out Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) for not being present at the courthouse in his own home state. DeSantis has pledged to confront the Department of Justice if he becomes president but has not explicitly expressed support for Trump in this context.
