Entrepreneur Ramaswamy drops out of White House race, endorses Trump

Vivek Ramaswamy, a multi-millionaire former biotech executive, ended his White House bid on Monday and endorsed Donald Trump after his longshot bid caught attention but failed to catapult him high enough in the Republican Party's first nominating contest in Iowa.

Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old born in Ohio to immigrant parents from southern India, was one of the surprises of the 2024 Republican race dominated by former President Trump.

A fierce defender of Trump throughout the campaign, Ramaswamy likely secured himself a spot in Republican politics going forward with his youthful demeanor, deep pockets and fast-talking, pugnacious campaigning.

However, Trump turned on him in the final days leading up to the Iowa caucus, calling him a "fraud" and asserting that a vote for Ramaswamy was a vote for the "other side."

Still, Ramaswamy endorsed Trump on Monday, saying Trump was an "America-first" candidate who would have his full support.