(DES MOINES, Iowa) -- Vivek Ramaswamy ended his 2024 presidential campaign on Monday night and quickly endorsed rival Donald Trump after a disappointing result in Iowa's Republican caucuses despite spending months in the state trying to woo voters.
The biotech entrepreneur and conservative commentator campaigned in a blunt-talking manner, with a penchant for provocation and spreading conspiracy theories. He saw his national profile rise steeply during his White House bid and, for a time last summer, enjoyed momentum in the polls.
Ultimately, however, Ramaswamy told ABC News on Monday that the decision to suspend his campaign was made by him and his wife, Apoorva, as he did not deliver the surprise result he expected to.
He spoke to supporters for about five-and-a-half minutes at his caucus party on Monday and threw his backing behind Trump, telling the crowd that he called the former president to congratulate him on his projected win.
There "has to be an 'America first' candidate on the White House," Ramaswamy said.