Former President Donald Trump achieved a historic victory on Monday evening in the country’s first 2024 presidential primary held in Iowa, sparking renewed discussions about potential running mates. As supporters eagerly speculated, some expressed a desire for Trump to consider business entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, despite Ramaswamy’s earlier withdrawal from the ’24 race following a less-than-stellar performance.
However, Trump aide Jason Miller, in response to queries about Ramaswamy, indicated that those hoping for his selection as a running mate could “probably” rule him out. This came in the aftermath of a verbal attack unleashed by Trump on Ramaswamy, where the former president accused him of being “sly,” employing “deceitful campaign tricks,” and not aligning with the MAGA (Make America Great Again) agenda, as revealed in a blistering attack on Truth Social.
In contrast to Trump’s previous endorsement of Ramaswamy as a potentially “very good” vice president in August, Miller suggested that it is now “pretty safe to say it won’t be Vivek.”
During a Fox News-moderated town hall event last week, Trump disclosed that he had already made his VP choice but opted not to make it public yet. The speculation regarding potential running mates also involves Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who has been mentioned as a contender. After Trump’s victory in Iowa, Greene urged all remaining GOP candidates to withdraw and unite behind him, denouncing the continued pursuit as a “massive waste of money” and resources.
Expressing skepticism about political consultants manipulating candidates into prolonged campaigns, Greene criticized Ramaswamy as a “Trump copycat” who manipulates people by presenting himself as a savior of Trump’s legacy.
On the night of the Iowa primary, a video of Trump circulated across the internet and social media platforms. In the video, Trump expressed gratitude for the “fantastic” atmosphere in Iowa, highlighting the state’s spirit and anticipating a “fantastic night” in the primary. As reporters shouted questions, Trump, with characteristic confidence, acknowledged the support he had received in Iowa, a state he had won twice in the last two elections.
