Vivek Ramaswamy Jokes About Changing Great Lakes Name in Campaign

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Vivek Ramaswamy, a prominent entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, recently made headlines for a humorous suggestion while addressing the Lucas County Republican Party last week. In an effort to establish a memorable campaign narrative, Ramaswamy joked about renaming Lake Erie to Lake Ohio, reflecting a larger theme of boasting about Ohio’s natural resources.

Referencing former President Donald Trump’s controversial renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, Ramaswamy quipped, “I like what President Trump’s done with the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of America. Anybody think if there’s a Lake Michigan, maybe there should be a Lake Ohio around here?” The remark drew a mix of laughter and applause from the audience.

Ramaswamy, who is currently campaigning for governor, stated, “I’m feeling that, so we’ll talk about that a little bit more as this campaign progresses.” This humorous proposition, however, comes in the wake of a state where Lake Erie serves as a critical natural boundary and resource.

A spokesperson for Ramaswamy told the Cincinnati Enquirer that the comment was intended as a joke. “The audience understood it was a joke. Perhaps the media will someday get a sense of humor,” the spokesperson said, adding, “Vivek is focused on real policies to Make Ohio Great Again.”

Even as the comment was lighthearted, it raises questions about the influence of Trump’s political style on Ramaswamy’s campaign approach. After Ramaswamy was dismissed from his position at Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, speculation grew about whether his remarks might be a calculated effort to appeal to Trump’s base.

In the Ohio gubernatorial race, Ramaswamy faces stiff competition from Attorney General Dave Yost and former Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton. As he campaigns, Ramaswamy is attempting to leverage Trump’s policies to galvanize support.

The suggestion of renaming a Great Lake follows an alarming trend seen during Trump’s administration, where unconventional and often controversial policy suggestions captured public attention. Some critics are left wondering if a joke in an election campaign can echo into public policy changes in the region.

Ultimately, the contention over Ramaswamy’s joke reflects broader themes in political discourse today — blurring the lines between humor, policy, and identification with past administrations. As Ramaswamy continues his campaign, the connection to Trump’s branding might be more operative than merely comical.