'If you worship demons ... ': MAGA meltdown after Vivek Ramaswamy announces run for Ohio governor

MAGA supporters erupted in a storm of racist and divisive comments following Vivek Ramaswamy's announcement that he would be running for Ohio governor. One post on social media declared that "you shouldn’t be allowed to run for governor of Ohio if you worship this demon" — a reference to the Hindu goddess Kali, with the user adding that America "was founded as a Christian nation."

Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur born in Cincinnati, officially launched his bid for Ohio governor this week, promising sweeping reforms such as work requirements for Medicaid recipients and merit-based pay for public school teachers. The 39-year-old has been a familiar figure in Republican circles, having previously run for president in 2024 before backing Donald Trump. Now, he seeks to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine, joining a competitive GOP primary.
Despite his alignment with Trump on key policy issues, including his anti-woke stance and support for free-market capitalism, Ramaswamy's candidacy has sparked controversy. His Hindu faith, in particular, has been used by critics to undermine his eligibility, with some MAGA-aligned individuals openly questioning his place within the conservative movement. One social media user remarked, "Vivek Ramaswamy running for Ohio governor doesn’t make much sense. His views and Hindu background don’t really match what most Ohio voters want."
The backlash against Ramaswamy's heritage is part of a broader pattern within MAGA, where figures such as Indian-American businessman Kash Patel and tech advisor Sriram Krishnan have faced scrutiny and racist attacks despite their political alignment. Critics accuse Ramaswamy of being a "scammer" and a "failed candidate" who, despite his policy positions, is seen as an outsider by a vocal section of Trump's base due to his visible Indian identity and Hinduism.
Ramaswamy has long been unapologetic about his heritage, even defending his pro-immigrant stance during the H-1B visa debate. He has repeatedly stated that America First means putting America at the forefront of global leadership, a stance he believes aligns with his vision for Ohio's future.
Trump endorsed Ramaswamy, calling him “something SPECIAL,” and praised his commitment to America.