Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy passionately criticized the “political media” on Sunday, calling them out for doing the “bidding” of the United States government. During a dynamic appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” with host Dana Bash, Ramaswamy reaffirmed his vow to pardon former President Donald Trump in the event of his presidency and Trump’s potential conviction on federal charges. Ramaswamy boldly criticized the current governmental system in the United States, labeling it a “federal administrative police state” and asserting that Trump’s indictment was inherently political.
“I think it is despicable that, as a competitor to president Trump in this race, I have to raise questions that the media is deliberately ignoring,” said Ramaswamy to Bash, who had earlier stated that there was “no evidence” linking Biden to the investigation or indictment. “If the political media has any responsibility, it’s to hold the U.S. government accountable. Instead, they’re failing to do that and doing the government’s bidding.”
Urging Bash to conduct an in-depth investigation into what Biden may have conveyed to Attorney General Merrick Garland and what Garland may have communicated to special counsel Jack Smith regarding the recent Trump impeachment, Ramaswamy firmly believed that doing so could lead to a resurgence of journalism in the United States.
“I firmly believe that the accusations leveled against President Trump are steeped in politics,” said Ramaswamy in response to being asked if he still intends to pardon the former president. “However, there’s not even a single reference to the Presidential Records Act–which is the most germane statute to the alleged crime–in the indictment.”
Ramaswamy was of the opinion that the indictment was a product of selective prosecution and smelled of politicization, due to it only coming after Trump had transitioned out of office. Despite this, Ramaswamy clarified that he did not think Trump had demonstrated good judgement while managing classified information, if the allegations are proven to be true. Ramaswamy assured Bash that he would never have removed classified material and if he had, he would have returned them on demand.
“Incorrect judgement is not the same thing as breaking the law,” said Ramaswamy. “When the federal police apparatus conflates the two, it’s a threat to the freedom of everyone. It isn’t just President Trump, but every American that is at risk, where every mistake is treated like a law violation.”
In response to Bash’s question regarding whether it would be a “mistake” for Republicans to nominate Trump, given he faces not only federal charges but also a separate 34-count indictment in New York, Ramaswamy was unequivocal in his response. He stated that he was running to win and wanted to move forward with his agenda.
“We need to move forward with our agenda by being anchored in moral authority and first principles,” explained Ramaswamy to Bash. “However, it’s not for you, me, or the federal administrative police state to decide. It’s for the citizens of this great country to decide.”
The recent federal indictment from the Southern District of Florida unsealed on Friday showed 37 counts against Trump, which included alleged violations of the Espionage Act. Trump has stated to POLITICO that he will not halt his campaign due to the recent indictment. He affirmed that he would “never leave” the race.
Trump is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
