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Vivek Ramaswamy Dismisses Viral Claims About H-1B Hiring for Ohio Campaign
Former presidential candidate and Ohio gubernatorial hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy has dismissed viral social media claims suggesting his campaign is hiring foreign workers on H-1B visas instead of Americans. The Indian-origin entrepreneur responded with laughing emojis when resharing his campaign manager’s refutation of the allegations on his official X account Wednesday night.
Jonathan Ewing, Ramaswamy’s campaign manager, offered a more detailed rebuttal to the viral post that had garnered nearly 200,000 views. “This post got nearly 200k views, internet people are throwing a fit, yet it’s a fake image & 100% false,” Ewing wrote. He firmly stated that the campaign has never hired H-1B visa holders, describing the accusation as “ridiculous” and warning followers not to “fall for” such “slanderous slop.”
The fabricated claims appeared in a post by a user identified as MILO (@Nero), who suggested that “Americans aren’t good enough for Vivek Ramaswamy” and sarcastically questioned why he “NEEDS Pinder and Daraljeet crushing the numbers” instead of hiring someone from “the entire Buckeye State.” The post included what appeared to be a screenshot of an “H1B Salary Database 2025” with entries supposedly showing Ramaswamy’s campaign hiring analysts at salaries ranging from $91,630 to $99,000.
The false allegations touch on a sensitive topic that Ramaswamy has addressed multiple times throughout his political career. As founder of biotech pharmaceutical company Roivant Sciences, Ramaswamy has employed H-1B visa holders in the past but has also been critical of aspects of the program.
During his presidential campaign in 2023, Ramaswamy called the H-1B system “a form of indentured servitude” that primarily benefits sponsoring companies rather than the workers themselves. He proposed replacing the current lottery system with what he described as “actual meritocratic admission” based on skills and qualifications.
The controversy highlights the ongoing national debate about immigration and skilled foreign workers in the American economy. H-1B visas, designed for specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge, have become increasingly contentious in recent years, with critics arguing they displace American workers while supporters maintain they fill crucial skill gaps in the U.S. workforce.
Ramaswamy has previously explained his perspective on why major tech companies often hire foreign-born engineers, attributing it not to any “innate American IQ deficit” but to cultural differences. In a December 2024 post, he wrote, “Our American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long (at least since the 90s and likely longer). That doesn’t start in college, it starts YOUNG.”
Earlier this month, he reinforced this view by highlighting educational disparities: “75% of 8th graders in America aren’t proficient in math & the average student in China is 4 years ahead of the average US student. It’s time to get serious about fixing K-12 education.”
The fabricated H-1B hiring controversy comes at a time when Ramaswamy is working to build momentum for his Ohio gubernatorial campaign. After gaining national recognition during his presidential bid, he has pivoted to state politics, where immigration and employment issues remain significant talking points.
The incident also underscores the increasing challenge of misinformation in political campaigns, where fabricated content can rapidly spread across social media platforms, potentially influencing voter perceptions before campaigns have an opportunity to respond with factual corrections.
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16 Comments
The mining and energy sectors are critical to the economy, and debates around hiring practices in those industries can have far-reaching implications. I’m glad to see Ramaswamy taking this issue seriously.
Absolutely. The way candidates approach workforce development and immigration policies in key industries like mining can significantly impact voters. Ramaswamy’s response demonstrates a willingness to engage on these complex topics.
As someone interested in the mining and commodities sector, I’m curious to see how this issue might impact Ramaswamy’s campaign and platform. Transparency around hiring practices could be relevant to voters in that context.
That’s a fair point. The mining and energy industries rely heavily on specialized technical skills, so the H-1B program is often a point of debate. Addressing these concerns directly could be important for Ramaswamy’s outreach to voters in those sectors.
Interesting to see Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign address these viral claims. It’s important to get the facts straight, even if the accusations seem politically motivated. Transparency around hiring practices is key for any campaign.
I agree, it’s good that the campaign manager provided a detailed rebuttal to dispel the false claims. Viral social media posts can be misleading, so it’s wise to verify information from official sources.
As a voter, I appreciate when candidates and their teams address potential controversies head-on. Transparency and factual responses help build confidence, even if the initial claims were questionable.
Agreed. Voters deserve accurate information to make informed decisions. Ramaswamy’s team has done the right thing in swiftly addressing these allegations and providing a clear rebuttal.
It’s concerning to see the spread of misinformation and false claims, even in the context of a political campaign. I’m glad to see Ramaswamy’s team taking the time to refute these allegations and set the record straight.
Absolutely. Combating the spread of disinformation should be a priority for all campaigns and political figures. Maintaining integrity and trust is crucial, especially on sensitive issues like immigration and hiring practices.
The H-1B visa program is a complex issue, with valid concerns about its use and potential abuse. However, making unsubstantiated claims is counterproductive. I appreciate Ramaswamy’s campaign taking the time to address this directly.
Absolutely. Resorting to inflammatory rhetoric and fabricated posts does little to advance meaningful discussions around H-1B policies. A fact-based approach is essential, even in the midst of a heated political climate.
As someone who follows the mining and commodities sector, I’m curious to see how this issue might shape the discourse around Ramaswamy’s campaign and his policy positions on workforce development and immigration.
That’s a good point. The way candidates navigate these complex topics can have significant implications for industries like mining, which rely heavily on specialized skills and a global talent pool. Ramaswamy’s response sets an important tone for how he might address these issues.
Misinformation and unsubstantiated claims can be damaging, especially in the context of a political campaign. I commend Ramaswamy’s team for their prompt and detailed rebuttal to these allegations.
Agreed. Maintaining transparency and addressing concerns directly, even if they seem politically motivated, is a sign of a strong and confident campaign. This type of response can help build trust with voters.