GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy expressed concerns over the political motivations behind former President Trump's indictment on federal charges related to classified documents. In a Fox News interview, Ramaswamy stated his intention to uncover the truth behind what he perceives as a politically driven prosecution, despite acknowledging that Trump's removal from the race would simplify his own campaign.
Ramaswamy, who is competing against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, defended the former president outside the Miami courthouse. He revealed that he has formally requested all other GOP candidates to publicly declare their stance on a potential pardon for Trump. Additionally, he has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for communications between the White House and the Department of Justice concerning Trump's indictment.
Ramaswamy, citing his legal background, pointed to what he considers significant omissions in the indictment, including the absence of any reference to the Presidential Records Act or a key 2012 case interpreting the act. He criticized the selective use of quotes from Trump's 2016 campaign without providing the full context of his post-election statements. He also questioned the role of Special Counsel Jack Smith, suggesting that Smith's awareness of these omissions raises concerns about potential political bias.
Ramaswamy emphasized the need for transparency in this unprecedented case, highlighting his self-funded FOIA request. He called upon both Republican and Democratic candidates, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Marianne Williamson, to express their views on a potential pardon for Trump. Ramaswamy declared his own intention to pardon Trump if elected, citing the potential negative precedent set by the indictment and the importance of national unity. He believes that such a move, especially if echoed by other candidates, could contribute significantly to healing the nation's political divide.
Ramaswamy argued that this issue transcends party lines and that the American public deserves to know where each candidate stands. He has given his rivals 48 hours to respond, asserting that voters have a right to this information, particularly given the gravity of using federal law enforcement to arrest a leading political opponent of the current administration.
