Trump Says Ramaswamy Could Be His Running Mate

Donald Trump appears to have put Vivek Ramaswamy on his short list of potential running mates should he win the 2024 GOP presidential nomination.

This is quite promising, considering that Mr. Ramaswamy has been gaining traction in polls and refrained from being critical of the 45th President.

“Well, I think he’s great. Look, anybody that said I’m the best president in a generation … I have to like a guy like that,” Trump told Glenn Beck in a call-in interview on Blaze TV, in reference to comments Ramaswamy made during the first GOP primary debate last week.

“He’s a smart guy. He’s a young guy. He’s got a lot of talent. He’s a very, very, very intelligent person,” Trump continued. “He’s got good energy, and he could be in some form of something. I tell ya, I think he’d be very good. I think he’s really distinguished himself.”

He went on to say that the entrepreneur has become “a little bit controversial” as he has gained more notoriety.

The Hill added:

Ramaswamy, the 38-year-old entrepreneur, was among the most prominent candidates on the debate stage last week in Milwaukee. He has gained significant media attention as his poll numbers have ticked up and as he has made various inflammatory and controversial statements.

He has said he would cede parts of Ukraine to Russia to end the war in Ukraine; he has suggested the U.S. should cut off support to Israel; and he has faced backlash for incendiary remarks about Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), comparing the Black lawmaker to “modern grand wizards” of the Ku Klux Klan.  

According to RealClearPolitics’ average of polls, Ramaswamy has risen to third place behind Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Rumors have swirled for months who Trump is considering as a running mate, with early reports claiming he is leaning towards naming a woman as his choice for VP.

Trump recently appeared on Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, where they spoke about the Republican primary and possible vice presidential picks. Bartiromo asked Trump if he had considered picking South Carolina GOP Sen. Tim Scott, who is currently running for president, as a running mate.

Trump was indirect with his response, but he did compliment Scott as a candidate by saying he “could see Tim doing something” with the administration. Trump also praised several other 2024 GOP hopefuls, calling them “good potential Cabinet members,” creating a list of possible picks if he wins 2024.

Last month, Trump spoke about running mate possibilities — including a lifelong Democrat.

Trump reacted to potentially teaming up with long-shot 2024 Democratic presidential contender Robert F. Kennedy Jr., singing his praises as “a smart guy.”

During a call-in segment with Newsmax TV host Rob Schmitt, the 45th president was asked if he thought Kennedy would impact the race if he ran on a third-party ticket.

“I don’t know, but he’s got great support in the party. He’s got great support in the Democrat Party,” Trump responded. Trump added that he had seen some polling where Kennedy was getting 23 percent. “That’s a lot of vote,” he said.

“A lot of people like you and him as a combination, too,” Schmitt said. “I don’t think that can happen, but have you ever thought about that?” He added: “Trump/Kennedy looks good on a bumper sticker.”

“No, but people have suggested it. I read the same things that you do.

“There are a lot of people suggesting it, there’s no question about that,” Trump added. “I’ve known him over the years. He’s a smart guy and well-intentioned. I really believe he’s very well-intentioned.”