NEW DELHI: Former US President Donald Trump, basking in the glow of his Iowa caucuses triumph, expressed gratitude at a rally in Atkinson, New Hampshire, where GOP leader Vivek Ramaswamy joined him.
Trump thanked the Indian-American entrepreneur for endorsing him after Ramaswamy withdrew from the presidential race, hinting at a collaborative future.
Ramaswamy, once a GOP rival, endorsed Trump following a disappointing fourth-place finish in Iowa. At the Atkinson rally, he urged voters to choose the “right thing” by supporting Trump, emphasising, “There is not a better choice left in this race than this man right here.”
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Trump reciprocated, thanking Ramaswamy for his endorsement and hinting at extended collaboration, stating, “He’s gonna be working with us, and he’ll be working with us for a long time.”
FLASH| “He’s gonna be working with us and he’ll be working with us for a long time”: Donald Trump
After a fiery speech in New Hampshire by Vivek Ramaswamy, urging support for Donald J. Trump, the former president expresses gratitude for the endorsement.
Trump declares, “There… pic.twitter.com/uneDDslN5U
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The 38-year-old entrepreneur’s endorsement holds significance, with the crowd chanting “VP, VP,” indicating speculation about Ramaswamy as a potential vice presidential candidate. Trump and Ramaswamy had praised each other throughout the campaign, with Trump even suggesting Ramaswamy would be “excellent” as his running mate.
Despite a brief hiccup when Trump criticised Ramaswamy’s campaign as “deceitful,” the two leaders reconciled. Ramaswamy, a staunch defender against the four indictments facing Trump, had previously dubbed him the “greatest President” of the 21st century and pledged to pardon him on his first day in office.
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The Iowa caucuses solidified Trump’s dominance, securing 20 out of 40 delegates and a substantial lead of 32,840 votes over the second-place candidate, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley secured seven delegates. Trump’s triumph sets the stage for a potential rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden in 2020.
As the GOP race shifts to New Hampshire, scheduled for January 23, the collaboration between Trump and Ramaswamy underlines the dynamics within the Republican Party.
Despite Trump’s legal challenges, the rally showcased his resolute popularity and influence, highlighting his hold over the party and its supporters.