Vivek Ramaswamy Exits Republican Presidential Race, Endorses Trump After Former US President Wins Iowa Caucus

Former president Donald Trump has secured a commanding victory in the Iowa caucuses on Monday (15 January), signalling a potent assertion of his dominance in the race for the GOP's 2024 presidential nomination.

Rivals Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley found themselves trailing far behind, leaving the GOP nomination seemingly within Trump's grasp.

However, the identity of the second-place finisher remains uncertain, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley both in contention.

Meanwhile as per reports, Indian American Vivek Ramaswamy, an early contender, has exited the race.

“Earlier tonight, I called Donald Trump to tell him that I congratulate him on his victory. And now going forward, he will have my full endorsement for the presidency,” he said.

This win marks the first crucial step in Trump's quest for a third consecutive GOP nomination, breaking the 24-year dry spell since George W Bush's 2000 victory in Iowa.

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Speaking to supporters at the Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa, Trump took aim at President Joe Biden, accusing him of "destroying our country", reported The Hindu

In a contrasting move, Biden's team announced a formidable fundraising achievement, securing over $97 million in the last quarter of 2023 and finishing the year with $117 million in reserves.

The former president is already eyeing a potential general election against Biden, while Haley and DeSantis compete to emerge as the leading alternative.

As Trump prepares for New Hampshire, the next battleground, the Iowa results solidify his position as a dominant force in the GOP landscape, setting the stage for a dynamic and closely watched nomination process.

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