Last Updated:
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy speaks on Day 2 of the Republican National Convention (RNC), at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., July 16, 2024. (Reuters)
Trump returns to the Republican National Convention with support from former rivals Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, and Vivek Ramaswamy after a recent assassination attempt
Former GOP Presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy took the stage at the Republican National Convention Tuesday night, delivering an impassioned speech backing former US President Donald Trump ahead of the presidential election in November.
Addressing the crowd of 2,400 delegates and hundreds of Trump supporters at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, the Ohio-based Indian-American businessman underlined the former president’s role in uniting the United States through actionable results rather than rhetoric.
The 38-year-old Republican focused on addressing diverse American groups, urging black Americans, legal immigrants, and Gen Z to support conservative values and the vision of Trump. He argued that Trump’s presidency represents a return to fundamental American ideals of merit, rule of law, and effective governance.
‘Well said’
“We’re in the middle of a national identity crisis. Faith, patriotism, hard work, and family have disappeared – replaced by race, gender, sexuality & climate. But we’re not going to win this election by just criticising the other side. We’re going to WIN this by standing for our own vision,” he said. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who recently endorsed Trump, praised Vivek’s fiery speech at the GOP event in the US state of Wisconsin. “Well said,” wrote Musk while posting a video of Vivek.
The rising Republican leader’s address was part of a broader effort by Trump’s former primary rivals to demonstrate party unity. “The most important reason to root for Donald J. Trump: he is the President who will actually UNITE this country. Not through empty words, but action. Success is unifying. Excellence is unifying. That’s who we are as Americans,” he added.
The most important reason to root for Donald J. Trump: he is the President who will actually UNITE this country. Not through empty words, but action. Success is unifying. Excellence is unifying. That’s who we are as Americans. pic.twitter.com/YJ84GOlc7T— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) July 17, 2024
‘Great speech by Vivek’
Social media praised Vivek’s unifying speech at the RNC. “Find someone else who brings the heat like Vivek does… I’ll wait,” wrote one of the users on X. Another said, VIVEK ON FIRE. Every word of this. What a masterclass.” “Great speech by Vivek! I can support him for JD’s VP in 2028,” said another user on X.
Alongside Ramaswamy, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis publicly endorsed Trump. Haley, who had previously criticized Trump during the primaries, reiterated her support, acknowledging the necessity of a unified Republican Party for the nation’s well-being.
Trump, who appeared with a bandage on his ear from a recent assassination attempt, received a warm reception from delegates. Despite the unifying tone of the evening, some discord was evident, particularly during Haley’s speech. With less than four months until the election, Trump’s campaign is seeking to consolidate support in the face of political and mounting legal challenges.
On Monday, Trump had solidified the Republican ticket by announcing Vance, a 39-year-old US senator from Ohio and a one-time harsh critic turned uncompromising supporter, as his running mate. Vance, who says his modest Rust Belt upbringing makes him a voice for working-class voters in left-behind America, is set to address the convention Wednesday evening.
