Ramaswamy Faces Backlash Over Black Ohio State Jersey at Columbus Home Opener Amid Gubernatorial Race
POLICY WIRE — Columbus, United States — Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican nominee for Ohio governor and an Ohio native with an estimated $3 billion net worth, attended Ohio State University’s home...
POLICY WIRE — Columbus, United States — Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican nominee for Ohio governor and an Ohio native with an estimated $3 billion net worth, attended Ohio State University’s home opener against Ball State on Saturday in Columbus—and quickly became the subject of widespread online scrutiny over his attire.
The Trump-endorsed candidate posted photos on X showing him interacting with fans in the stadium stands and captioned the post: Great start to the season. Let’s go Bucks. The message amassed 3 million views and ignited a wave of commentary focused on his black jersey bearing the Ohio State logo and the number 1.
Observers noted the garment diverged sharply from the team’s official crimson jerseys with striped sleeves, describing it instead as resembling apparel sold on Temu, CVS, or Walmart. One commenter declared: “I can’t vote for you with that jersey on I’m sorry man.”
Criticism centered less on cost than credibility: multiple users questioned why a billionaire with deep Ohio roots and elite credentials—including a Harvard degree and leadership of a drug development firm—would wear what they perceived as an unlicensed replica rather than an authentic, officially licensed Ohio State jersey.
The episode also revived scrutiny of Ramaswamy’s recent travel, with critics highlighting his attendance at the U.S. Open in New York City the day before the game. Democratic nominee Amy Acton seized on the timing in a Saturday X post: Vivek Ramaswamy thinks he is too good to spend Labor Day Weekend in Ohio, instead jetting off in his private plane to watch the U.S. Open in VIP seating with his billionaire friends.
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Some users drew irony from Ramaswamy’s own 2024 social media statement criticizing American culture for venerating “mediocrity” over excellence—citing examples like celebrating the prom queen over the math olympiad champion or the jock over the valedictorian. One replied: “Man, mimicking the culture you mock… interesting.”
Not all reactions were negative. A handful of supporters dismissed the backlash as trivial, with one writing: Hilarious how many people think claiming that Vivek’s jersey is ‘fake’ or ‘cheap’ is a gotcha. Ramaswamy will face Acton in the November 3 general election, with polls indicating a tight contest.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
