During the first GOP primary debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, former President Trump was mainly critical of his Republican rivals but praised one in particular.
Trump, expressing his approval on Truth Social, stated, “This answer gave Vivek Ramaswamy a big WIN in the debate because of a thing called TRUTH. Thank you Vivek!”
The moment Trump referred to was when the 38-year-old Ramaswamy said, “Let’s just speak the truth. President Trump, I believe, was the best president of the 21st century. It’s a fact.”
WATCH: Fox News’s CRAZY Debate Rules, Plus Joe Biden FALLS ASLEEP in Front of Maui Victim Families
Ramaswamy was notably the first to openly show support for Trump during the debate. He promptly raised his hand when moderator Bret Baier inquired if the candidates would back Trump as the GOP presidential nominee despite potential legal convictions. By contrast, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hesitated, observing others’ reactions, which critics labeled a “devastating” instance.
Trump’s feedback for many other candidates was less than flattering. He remarked, “‘Aida’ was a joke tonight. He’s over!” referring to former Gov. Asa Hutchinson (AR). Regarding former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, one of Trump’s biggest critics, Trump stated, “Chris Christie was horrible tonight… Nobody wanted to hear from him!” He also condemned the performance of DeSantis, noting: “DeSanctimonious was a ‘BOMB’ tonight… Who cares!?!?”
Instead of participating in the debate, Trump chose to engage in a conversation with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson on X, an interview that has since gained more than 150 million views.
