Former President Donald Trump shifts strategy before Iowa caucuses, casting Vivek Ramaswamy as a threat to his MAGA movement. Iowans to cast first votes in 2024 presidential nominating process. Ramaswamy, previously a stand-in for Trump's policies, now receives criticism and is deemed a vote for the 'other side'. Tension had been building between Trump and Ramaswamy for weeks, according to people familiar with Trump’s thinking. “I respect the hell out of Trump. He’s the best president of the 21st century. I’ve defended him at every step against the unjust persecutions,” Ramaswamy said in a statement.