Most politicians usually expect political attacks from their opposing party, but Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican nominee for Ohio governor, has found himself defending his background and beliefs as some criticism from within conservative circles has shifted from policy to personal identity. As a result, Ramaswamy has seemingly struggled to be recognized by some members of the GOP.
Ramaswamy, a Cincinnati-born entrepreneur and the son of Indian immigrants, built his national profile by opposing what he calls identity politics. Yet during his gubernatorial campaign, he has faced questions about his Hindu faith, heritage and citizenship from a small but vocal segment of the right.
The most visible attacks came during the Republican primary from businessman Casey Putsch, who released videos and statements challenging Ramaswamy’s ties to gun culture and his sense of American identity. In one video, Putsch used language that critics described as racially charged, challenging Ramaswamy in a “Cowboys vs Indians fight, don’t worry, it’s feather, not dot.” Putsch later denied any racist intent, saying his remarks were meant as humor protected by the First Amendment.
Putsch also referred to Ramaswamy as an “anchor baby,” despite the candidate’s birth in Cincinnati, where he was born to parents who had legally immigrated from India. Under the 14th Amendment, individuals born in the United States are citizens by birth.
TPUSA members also questioned Ramaswamy
In addition to identity attacks from his fellow GOP, questions about Ramaswamy’s faith have surfaced at conservative events as well. During a 2025 forum hosted by Turning Point USA in Montana, audience members asked whether a practicing Hindu could effectively represent a predominantly Christian electorate. Ramaswamy responded by citing the Constitution’s prohibition on religious tests for public office and emphasizing his commitment to shared social values.
Despite the criticism, Ramaswamy secured the GOP nomination with ease and has received the backing of prominent Republicans, including President Donald Trump. Still, people online have criticized the Republican Party’s members and even mocked the situation, with one commenter claiming, “I guess he didn’t realize he’s never going to be in the club because he isn’t white.”
Other social media users chimed in on the matter, with one even citing MAGA standards, “According to the President he is not a US Citizen. He was born here whilst his mother was not a citizen. Therefore according to MAGA he is an ‘anchor baby’ and must self-deport immediately. That is not my personal view but MAGA needs to be held to its own standards.”
