Vivek Ramaswamy recalls last conversation with Charlie Kirk on ‘What is an American?’; Social media brings up H-1B row

Vivek Ramaswamy recalled his last conversation with slain MAGA commentator Charlie Kirk during a speech at a Turning Point USA event.

He said the two had discussed for nearly an hour the question: “What is an American?”


Recently, amid the H-1B debate, Americans have questioned the authenticity of Indian-Americans living in the US, most of whom are naturalised citizens and number in the millions. The MAGA base argues that these immigrants often crowd job opportunities, making it harder for native-born Americans to compete fairly.

Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September by a sniper during a speaking event, was one of the most vocal opponents of H-1B visas and even called Indians entering US “parasites” in a social media post. Despite this, Indian-origin Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy considered him one of his closest friends. Inside Republican circles, Ramaswamy is both cherished and questioned, with some wondering whether a brown Indian, backed by President Trump, could hold a high political office in the US.

Ramaswamy recalled the conversation in which Kirk once told him that there are certain people “not American” who live in the US. Vivek said that he and Kirk agreed on one thing: being an American is not about race or lineage, but about believing in what the “founding fathers” of America established. He said that one cannot be considered American simply by holding a piece of paper or a document, or by crossing a border.

He then referenced Kirk’s assassination, noting that America is about free speech and liberty. Anyone can express their opinions, even if others disagree—he mentioned figures like Jimmy Savile and Nick Fuentes as examples—without being shot. He said, “Words are not violence, and the answer to words is not violence.”

However, left-wing leaders and progressives have often blamed people like Charlie Kirk for inciting hate against Muslims, transgender people, Black people, and other minorities.

Social media response

• You’ll be shocked to discover that the last thing Charlie said to Vivek is that it’s okay to import one billion Indians into the US
• You are not an American. Hope this helps.
• Charlie had a post talking about ending H1B
• He’s been trying so hard lately to sell the line that being American has nothing to do with national origin or ethnicity
• Charlie texted me that Vivek needs to go back. Trust me.
• I got coffee with Charlie right before he died. He told me I'm handsome and wonderful