Washington – In his speech at the Libertarian National Convention, Trump surrogate and ex-Libertarian Party voter Vivek Ramaswamy urged those present to form an alliance with the “America First” faction of the Republican Party. He expressed the belief that the future of the United States hinges on a union between libertarians and nationalists. The audience’s reaction was largely negative.
Ramaswamy’s call for tactical cooperation came after he voiced his doubts about both Democrats and what he called “the establishment wing of the Republican Party.” He criticized the GOP’s support for the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), among other policies.
He also remarked that independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who spoke earlier at the convention, was “in no sense a libertarian,” citing his past support for punishing climate change skeptics.
In his opening remarks and a subsequent debate with the Libertarians’ vice presidential nominee, Clint Russell, Ramaswamy suggested that the present political situation offers an opportunity for libertarian ideals to shape the future of former President Donald J. Trump’s “America First” movement.
I have had extensive conversations with Donald Trump about libertarian objectives,” said the entrepreneur. Following Ramaswamy’s withdrawal from the race, President Trump in New Hampshire emphasized his opposition to central-bank digital currencies, noting that “Vivek [also] wanted this.
Yet, President Trump’s warm response to new support from another former presidential hopeful, Nikki Haley, has some speculating whether Ms. Haley’s more neoconservative politics might significantly influence a future Trump administration.
President Trump will also be speaking at the Libertarian National Convention.
In his speech in D.C., Ramaswamy criticized what he described as two other potential paths for “America First,” aside from a more libertarian or constitutionalist vision: neoconservatism, “the way of Dick Cheney,” and an increasingly protectionist policy that mirrors the nanny state on the right.
He repeated his criticism of industrial policy during his debate with Mr. Russell, which was moderated by comedian Dave Smith.
However, when discussing China – a point of disagreement between many Republicans and many libertarians – the businessman and investor focused on concerns about Chinese domination of America’s defense-industrial base, while implying that some might argue such a sector is unnecessary altogether.
When asked about legislators’ growing concerns about TikTok, Ramaswamy aligned with the GOP-friendly view.
Why do you think there was this push to ban TikTok? Do you think it’s really because, as they say, it’s partially owned by a Chinese subsidiary. Or is it because of, let’s say, a different foreign nation?” Mr. Smith asked.
I think you’re talking about a foreign nation beginning in Silicon Valley, actually. It’s Facebook lobbying is the reason we passed that bill,” Ramaswamy said.
He’s not entirely wrong,” Mr. Smith interjected as the former candidate continued speaking.