Former President Donald Trump, the likely 2024 Republican nominee, has officially rejected biotech mogul Vivek Ramaswamy as his running mate, but is still considering him for a Cabinet post. , a person familiar with the conversation confirmed to The Post.
Ramaswamy, who opposed Trump and backed him immediately after withdrawing from the Iowa caucuses on January 15, has been an influential surrogate for the 45th president during the election campaign.
The 38-year-old’s closeness to the former president has fueled vice presidential speculation, as the 77-year-old has teased a “list of candidates” for his running mate but declined to reveal the identity of the front-runner. Ta.
Ramaswami’s expulsion from the Veep Stakes was the first. reported by bloombergwhich identified him as a candidate for Secretary of Homeland Security, among others.
Ramaswamy’s press secretary, Tricia McLaughlin, responded to the report, saying, “While there is a lot of speculation in the press, Mr. Vivek’s overriding focus is on ensuring President Trump takes America First to the next level.” I would say it’s about selection,” he told the Post.
“This country will be lucky to have him in his next administration. In the meantime, Vivek will continue to push for change in the private sector and reform the economy, including continuing to resist ESG cancer in American companies.” We are focusing on.”
The Post reported in January that Ramaswamy was unlikely to be President Trump’s running mate.
The then-rivals had a heated moment before the Iowa caucuses, with Trump saying on Truth Social that the young candidate was playing “sneaky” and “deceptive campaign tricks” and that he was “wanting America.” He accused him of not being a big supporter of “Make It Great Again.” movement.
at that time, President Trump’s top adviser Jason Miller told the Post. As vice president, he said, “It is safe to say that it is not Vivek.”
Other potential additions to President Trump’s executive team include North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-New York) and former U.S. Trade Representative, according to Bloomberg. Robert Lighthizer and others.
According to reports, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is considered a candidate for White House chief of staff.
Last month, President Trump spoke at a Fox News town hall with Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, Ramaswamy, When asked about Congressman Byron Donald (R-Florida), he answered in the affirmative and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was on the “short list” of vice presidential candidates.
DeSantis denied that possibility the next day in a leaked Zoom call first reported by the Post, but other nominees have spoken out about the possibility.
