‘Uncivilized’? Vivek Ramaswamy Defends Barefoot Interview Amid Backlash

India-West News Desk

CINCINNATI, OH – Vivek Ramaswamy, who recently announced his 2026 campaign for Ohio governor, has defended his barefoot appearance in a resurfaced interview, calling the criticism misguided. “This is America, folks. I let the dogs out in my house when I feel like it,” he said, responding to social media users who called the act inappropriate.

The controversy erupted after an old video of Ramaswamy,38, giving an interview barefoot, live-streamed last year, resurfaced on social media. Several users criticized the appearance, with one commenting, “Maybe at least have some socks on while you interview for a position in the most powerful empire on the planet, yeah?” Another called it “uncivilized.”

While many slammed Ramaswamy’s choice to go barefoot, others pushed back against the outrage. One wrote, “I guess too many people grew up on sitcoms where they wear their shoes in bed.”

Supporters also pointed out that removing shoes indoors is a common cultural practice. “Nearly all Indians go barefoot in their own homes. There’s nothing wrong with it. Just a cultural thing,” one user wrote.