Vivek Ramaswamy: Ex-Colleagues Spill Beans on GOP Candidate’s ‘Neurotic, Paranoid’ Behaviour – News18

Former colleagues of Vivek Ramaswamy have shared some damning insights into his behaviour, revealing a different side to the youngest GOP presidential candidate. Ramaswamy, a renowned biotech executive, has gained popularity since launching his campaign earlier this due to his radical policy proposals and charismatic debate performances. However, his former associates have a different story to tell.

Behind closed doors, some former employees describe Ramaswamy as “neurotic, mercurial, and paranoid,” with a sense of entitlement, according to Business Insider. In the report, the unnamed employees recount instances of demanding behavior, including ordering specific temperatures in office spaces and expecting white-glove service. According to the report, Ramaswamy’s intense focus on temperature even extended to hotel rooms, where former Army Rangers were tasked with ensuring rooms were at the “sufficient temperature” before he entered. “He thinks people are put on this earth to serve him,” one of the colleagues said.

The report also raises questions about the 38-year-old’s credentials as a self-made individual from humble beginnings. It states that Ramaswamy’s upbringing was affluent, with both his parents in professional careers. He attended prestigious schools and received a George Soros-backed fellowship at Yale Law School while simultaneously earning substantial sums working at a hedge fund. Ramaswamy’s net worth is estimated at around USD 950 million.

The Ohio businessman declared his campaign for US president with little fanfare in February this year. He is still behind in most polls but has been gaining ground on many of his rivals, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is now fighting to retain his second spot. The White House hopeful has been defending former President Donald Trump while seeking to appeal to Christian evangelicals, an important part of the Republican primary electorate. Although a proud Hindu, Ramaswamy has been telling voters that the US is based on “Christian values” and “Judeo-Christian values”.

In the business world, Ramaswamy is recognised for his ability to raise funds and his innovative approach. He founded Roivant Sciences at a young age and later established Strive Asset Management, attracting notable investors. Roivant’s ventures have brought drugs to market, but there have also been setbacks. Ramaswamy’s critics argue that he is a skilled hype man, adept at promoting his ventures and now his presidential candidacy.

The Indian American political outsider’s ambitions became apparent when he started writing op-eds in 2020, gaining traction in conservative circles. US media reports state that Strive Asset Management, his latest venture, has capitalised on a backlash against environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing. The company offers anti-ESG investment options and has attracted attention from state pension funds.

However, Strive has faced legal challenges, with former employees alleging violations of securities laws and other misconduct, according to the Business Insider report. Critics argue that the company lacks a unique investment strategy beyond its anti-ESG stance.

As Ramaswamy’s presidential campaign gains momentum, Strive has also seen growth in assets under management, reaching over USD 1 billion. Ramaswamy’s stake in Strive is estimated to be around USD 40 million. While some view Ramaswamy’s presidential bid as a calculated move to boost his business prospects, others believe he is genuinely striving for victory. Regardless, claims about his personal conduct and business practices have come under intense scrutiny as he continues his race for the Republican nomination.