‘Can put him in charge,’ Trump signals role for ‘smart as hell’ Ramaswamy in administration

Republican presidential candidate and ex-US president Donald Trump signalled Wednesday (Oct 9) that Vivek Ramaswamy may have a role in his administration if he wins the elections.

Speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump called Ramaswamy a "smart as hell" person and acknowledged he got ‘tough competition’ from him initially in the GOP nomination race.

"He's really smart, and I hope he's going to be involved in our administration," Trump said. “We can put him in charge of one of these big monsters [in government] and he'll do a better job than anybody you can think of.”

Earlier in June, Trump made similar remarks, saying Ramaswamy was a “smart guy” and that he would be a part of his team.

While citing his administration’s tough trade deal negotiations with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump said, “If I gave it to Vivek to do, he’d pull it off.”

“He’s going to be with us in some form,” Trump said of Ramaswamy.

Ramaswamy withdrew from the GOP presidential race and endorsed Donald Trump. Later, he appeared in a rally alongside Trump and declared there was not a "better choice" than the 45th. He also asked voters to do the “right” thing in elections.

"There is not a better choice left in this race than this man right here. And that is why I am asking you to do the right thing as New Hampshire and to vote for Donald Trump as your next president," Ramaswamy said at the rally.

Trump had reciprocated Ramaswamy’s gesture by saying that the Indian American leader will be working with him for a “long time.” "It's an honour to have his endorsement. He's gonna be working with us and he'll be working with us for a long time. Thank you," Trump said.

(With inputs from agencies)