On February 24, 2025, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to throw his full support behind Vivek Ramaswamy’s bid for Ohio governor, delivering a ringing endorsement that could reshape the 2026 Republican primary. The announcement came shortly after Ramaswamy officially launched his campaign in Cincinnati, marking a pivotal moment for the biotech entrepreneur turned political star. Trump’s post, brimming with praise, underscores Ramaswamy’s rising stature within the “America First” wing of the GOP and sets the stage for a high-profile showdown in the Buckeye State.
In his Truth Social message, Trump wrote: “VIVEK RAMASWAMY is running for Governor of the Great State of Ohio. I know him well, competed against him, and he is something SPECIAL. He’s Young, Strong, and Smart! Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country. He will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio, will never let you down, and has my COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT!” The emphatic capitals and enthusiastic tone reflect Trump’s confidence in Ramaswamy, whom he faced as a rival in the 2024 Republican presidential primaries before Ramaswamy exited the race and became a staunch Trump ally.
Ramaswamy, 39, responded to the endorsement on X at 8:00 PM MST, writing, “Thank you President Trump. I’m truly honored to have your endorsement. We’re behind you all the way & we will Make Ohio Great Again!”
The exchange highlights the tight bond between the two, forged during Ramaswamy’s presidential campaign and his brief tenure co-leading Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Elon Musk. After stepping away from DOGE in January 2025, Ramaswamy turned his sights to Ohio, where he’s now leveraging Trump’s support to cement his frontrunner status in a primary field that includes Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
Trump’s endorsement carries significant weight in Ohio, a state he’s dominated in three straight presidential elections. Political observers see it as a potential game-changer, especially given Ramaswamy’s existing lead in early polling. Surveys from pro-Ramaswamy groups, like Fabrizio, Lee & Associates, already showed him commanding over 50% of GOP primary voters—a lead likely to grow with Trump’s “COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT” now in play. The former president’s description of Ramaswamy as “Young, Strong, and Smart” aligns with the image Ramaswamy has cultivated: a dynamic outsider ready to bring fresh energy to Columbus.
At his campaign launch in Cincinnati, Ramaswamy pitched himself as a continuation of Trump’s legacy, advocating for policies like shifting federal powers back to the states and fighting what he calls the “woke agenda.” His platform, dubbed “America First 2.0” during his presidential run, resonates with Trump’s base, and the endorsement only strengthens that connection. With additional support from Ohio figures like Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Treasurer Robert Sprague, Ramaswamy is building a coalition that blends grassroots enthusiasm with establishment nods—all turbocharged by Trump’s seal of approval.
The Truth Social post also showcases the platform’s role as Trump’s preferred megaphone for political influence. Since returning to the White House, he’s used it to weigh in on key races, and this endorsement underscores its centrality to his post-presidency strategy. For Ramaswamy, the timing is impeccable—Trump’s words amplify his launch-day momentum, framing him as the heir to the MAGA mantle in Ohio. However, challenges remain. Yost, a seasoned politician with deep state roots, could counter Ramaswamy’s outsider appeal by emphasizing experience over celebrity.
Ohio’s Republican primary is increasingly the decisive battleground for the governorship, given the state’s red shift under Trump’s influence. Ramaswamy also benefits from ties to Vice President JD Vance, a former Ohio senator whose advisers have joined the campaign, further embedding him in Trumpworld. Whether this translates into votes will depend on Ramaswamy’s ability to turn Trump’s praise—“he is something SPECIAL”—into a ground game that resonates with Ohioans.
For now, Trump’s glowing endorsement has electrified Ramaswamy’s campaign, positioning him as a formidable force in the race to lead Ohio. “He will never let you down,” Trump promised his followers, a vow Ramaswamy is banking on as he aims to “Make Ohio Great Again.” As the 2026 election nears, all eyes will be on whether this Trump-backed “Young, Strong, and Smart” contender can deliver on that promise.
