Vivek Ramaswamy and Charlie Kirk Engage in Heated Exchange with Georgia State Students

Vivek Ramaswamy, the biotech entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, and Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point Action, recently sparked a heated debate during a visit to Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta. The event, part of the “You’re Being Brainwashed Tour,” aimed to engage college students in discussions about the upcoming presidential election.

During the gathering, Ramaswamy and Kirk faced off against undergraduates who challenged their views on various issues, including the presidency of Donald Trump. Ramaswamy defended Trump’s protectionist policies and criticized the Biden administration for what he claimed was censorship of internet speech. He also highlighted China’s role as a leading supplier of the U.S. military, arguing that this relationship does not make sense.

Kirk, known for his provocative style, made several contentious statements. He questioned the accomplishments of Vice President Kamala Harris and repeated false claims about her role in immigration policy and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Kirk also defended Trump supporters involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and drew criticism for his comments on racial issues and the death of Ashli Babbitt.

The event reflected the broader efforts of Turning Point Action to influence younger voters, particularly in swing states. The organization is pitching its get-out-the-vote operation to state and local Republican officials, although critics have raised concerns about the group’s methods and data security.

In a separate incident, Ramaswamy took to social media to troll former President Barack Obama after Obama used a part of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris. Ramaswamy posted a clip of himself rapping the song at the Iowa State fair in 2023.