Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy sparked widespread outrage after claiming that American workers are often overlooked because they are “mediocre.” His remarks came in response to criticism on X (formerly Twitter) from Trump supporters, who accused him and billionaire Elon Musk of prioritizing foreign workers through H-1B visas over hiring Americans.
Ramaswamy defended his stance, arguing that the U.S. suffers from a “culture of mediocrity.” He stated, “Top tech companies often hire foreign-born and first-generation engineers not because Americans are less intelligent, but because our culture has celebrated mediocrity over excellence for decades.”
His comments angered people from both sides of the political spectrum. David Marcus criticized the statement, calling it “deeply inappropriate” for a government figure to insult American workers. Others, like Ross Douthat and Rachel Bovard, challenged Ramaswamy’s claims by pointing out that America has more STEM graduates than available STEM jobs, with many positions going to foreign workers due to lower wages.
Conservative figures also joined in. Nikki Haley, a former rival in the Republican primary, shot back, “There is nothing wrong with American workers or culture. We should invest in Americans, not foreign workers.” Radio host John Cardillo called Ramaswamy’s comments “one of the most offensive things I’ve read” while pointing out that “India is a filthy third world hellscape.” Others labeled Ramaswamy arrogant and completely out of touch.
Some critics took issue with his suggestion that “jocks” were part of the problem. Users pointed out that NASA’s early space program was filled with fighter pilots, submariners, and other so-called “jocks” who accomplished groundbreaking work.
Meghan McCain declared, “Some of us have been telling you Vivek is a con artist since day one.” Meanwhile, others slammed Ramaswamy for promoting a worldview that prioritizes corporate profits over meaningful lives. Conservative commentator Gavin Mario Wax wrote, “If you want soulless utilitarianism, go to China.”
This backlash comes shortly after President-elect Donald Trump appointed Ramaswamy and Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new agency aimed at cutting government waste and bureaucracy. Critics now question whether someone with such divisive opinions about American workers should hold such a role.
Check some of he outrage below:
No matter how you slice it, both Musk and Ramaswamy are saying native born Americans just aren’t good enough. That’s a lie and a deeply impropriate thing for any government official to say.
— David Marcus (@BlueBoxDave) December 26, 2024
This is one of the most offensive things I’ve read.
America and Americans are not mediocre.
India is a filthy third world hellscape.
If it’s so exceptional, why doesn’t its tech talent want to stay there? https://t.co/fZZIXKOIpb
— John Cardillo (@johncardillo) December 26, 2024
I don't think this is an accurate description of the American situation, the evolution of our educational system and cultural priorities, or our traditional strengths. (1/X)https://t.co/WQ7RjziRgz
— Ross Douthat (@DouthatNYT) December 26, 2024
Turns out the "waste" that DOGE wanted to cut from America was Americans
— Auron MacIntyre (@AuronMacintyre) December 26, 2024
What's so infuriating about this is that our economy is already a massive upward transfer of wealth from people who work with their hands for a living to rich, successful mediocrities in the knowledge industry. Yet Vivek is blaming the losers of this very intentional scheme for… https://t.co/5AjaSb7bkO
— Batya Ungar-Sargon (@bungarsargon) December 26, 2024
This isn’t correct.
In its glory days, NASA was all jocks.
Former (and active duty) fighter pilots, submariners, heavy drinkers, smokers, etc.The American space program was so defined by jocks its *nerds* were jocks, too.
“The Right Stuff” is about this. https://t.co/Rm9KG7rau5 pic.twitter.com/6aAkNiTxWZ
— ib (@Indian_Bronson) December 26, 2024
