A video has emerged showing Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy in a controversial exchange with a Trump supporter.
The footage, which quickly gained attention on social media, appears to be the reason behind President Trump's recent harsh criticism of Ramaswamy on Truth Social.
In his post, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Ramaswamy's tactics, signaling a shift in the latter's stance from a supporter to a political opponent who uses “deceptive campaign tricks.”
“Vivek started his campaign as a great supporter, 'the best president in generations', etc. Unfortunately, all he does now is disguise his support as disingenuous election gimmicks. Very disingenuous, but a vote for Vivek is a vote for 'the other side' – no Fool with this. Vote for Trump, don't waste your vote! Vivek is not MAGA. Biden will never be allowed to press charges against his political opponent in this country, they have already started to go down! MAGA!!!
The controversy appears to stem from the viral clip in which Ramaswamy is seen speaking to a voter expressing fear about the future of Trump and the United States.
Ramaswamy appears to be exploiting these fears, presenting himself as the solution, claiming that a vote for him is actually a vote to save former President Donald Trump.
Voter“They're afraid of you, but they're only afraid of Trump.”
Ramaswamy“They are. And they will stop at nothing. But we won't let them get away with this. I've got new legs. I'm not hurt. They won't let this man do that.”
As the conversation continues, Ramaswamy and the voter discuss deep concerns about America's future, with Ramaswamy presenting himself as a youthful, vibrant alternative reminiscent of the country's Founding Fathers.
Voter: “We're losing it. We're losing it.”
Ramaswamy“It hurts to hear that. …It's 1,776 moments. I want your support at the Iowa caucus. I'm passionate about this country. I need your support Monday night. You do this. I'm going to do my part.”
Voter: OK. You choose my shell. You. but…
Vivek Ramaswamy: It's about this country. It's about this country. You want to save Trump; You vote for me. I'm telling you so. You vote for Trump; You are sending it to its demise… You are falling into a trap into which not only the country falls, but it also falls. You want to save Trump; You vote for me. I need your support for the Iowa caucus.
The voter, visibly moved by Ramaswamy's impassioned plea, admits he is thinking about the argument.
He watches:
In response to President Trump's harsh criticism on Truth Social, Vivek Ramaswamy said Written on X:
Yes, I saw President Trump's Social Truth post. It's an unfortunate move by his campaign advisors, and I don't think friendly fire is helpful. Donald Trump has been the greatest president of the 21st century, and I will not criticize him in response to this latest attack.
I have met tens of thousands of Iowans across more than 390 events here, and they are deeply concerned — and I am — that this “system” will never allow Donald J. Trump near the White House again. It seems that they will stop at nothing to remove him from power.
I'm worried about Trump. I am worried about our country. She stood against anti-Trump persecution, and defended him at every step. She showed up at a Miami courthouse in solidarity after his first federal indictment. It has filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the Biden Justice Department. She filed an amicus brief this week with the U.S. Supreme Court calling on them to overturn the Colorado ruling. I have pledged to remove myself from primary ballots in Maine and Colorado if they remove Trump, calling on DeSantis and Haley to do the same.
But we have to open our eyes. The last time there was a man-made pandemic and big tech meddling in an election. Now, the same billionaires who are funding the lawsuits against Trump are the ones trying to support Nikki Haley. The same MSM who attacks Trump lavishes praise on Nikki. They want to narrow it down to a two-man race between Trump and Haley, eliminate Trump (one way or another), and push their puppet into the White House.
We cannot fall into this trap. A year from now, we won't look back and say we were shocked by what happened. We'll punish ourselves for not stopping him.
Our movement must continue. America First didn't start in 2016. It started in 1776. We owe it to our Founding Fathers to do the right thing for our country. I want to save Trump and save this country. Let's do it together. You won't hear any friendly fire from me.
On Saturday, Dr. Ben Carson warned former President Donald Trump's supporters in Iowa to “beware of dirty tricks” during the caucuses.
Carson was the victim of a “dirty trick” when he ran for president eight years ago.
Another campaign lied and told voters he had dropped out of the race before the Iowa caucuses.
Carson reminded voters of the incident in a video warning posted on the Rumble website on Friday.
“In 2016, when I ran for president and spent several days in Iowa, some people played dirty tricks. “You may remember a false message that went out on caucus day that I was withdrawing from the presidential race — even though I did not do so,” Carson explained.
Carson asked Trump supporters to “stay vigilant and focused.”
Carson urged Iowans to “watch out for dirty tricks and be smarter than them.”
