Vivek Ramaswamy, a prominent contender in the Republican presidential race, didn’t mince words as he lambasted business policies centered around climate concerns, categorizing the United States’ climate agenda as a “hoax” during his appearance at the Iowa State Fair on a recent Saturday.
The conservative business magnate and enterprising entrepreneur took direct aim at the Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) policies during a candid conversation with Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA), contending that these policies present a “grave menace” to individual liberties.
Ramaswamy voiced his concerns, asserting, “They’re utilizing our funds … to surreptitiously advance social and environmental agendas. They’re leveraging corporate America as a conduit.” He elaborated, “They’re utilizing your retirement savings and investment portfolios to advocate for measures like racial equity audits or Scope 3 emissions limits – actions you were unaware your money was backing, and that Congress would have likely rejected if presented directly.”
Continuing his discourse, he stated, “This poses a significant challenge to our freedom today. Regardless of where one stands on the topic of climate change – I’ll say it plainly – much of the climate change agenda is, in my view, a fabrication.”
Ramaswamy suggested that if corporations wish to adopt ESG policies, they should engage in transparent discourse within the public domain and subject their ideas to open debate.
ESG policies have found themselves in the crosshairs of conservative critics who perceive them as a corporate encroachment into the political realm. These policies encourage companies to invest in climate-related initiatives, curtail carbon emissions, and factor social concerns like diverse hiring into their operations. Such concerns have been dismissed by Democrats as a diversion.
These remarks by the conservative candidate coincide with the presence of several other prominent Republican hopefuls at the Iowa State Fair, all of whom are using the event as a platform to showcase their political visions ahead of the inaugural Republican debate scheduled for later this month. Notably, Ramaswamy’s campaign has experienced a recent surge in support, catapulting him to the third position, surpassing the previous occupant, former Vice President Mike Pence.
Come August 23rd, Ramaswamy is slated to participate in the debate alongside other contenders including Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL), Governor Doug Burgum (R-ND), Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), and former Governor Nikki Haley (R-SC). While former President Donald Trump, Pence, and former Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) have secured a spot in the debate, they are yet to commit to a required loyalty pledge. Pence has indicated his intent to sign the pledge.
The forthcoming debate is set to unfold in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and will commence at 9 p.m. Eastern time.