5 Questions Vivek Ramaswamy Must Answer Surrounding Growing Personal Bodyguard Scandal
January 21, 2026
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Cleveland.com recently reported that Vivek Ramaswamy’s family bodyguard was arrested on federal drug-trafficking charges, including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Additional reporting found that two other personal bodyguards used by Ramaswamy were not registered with the state.
Vivek Ramaswamy’s decision to hire a security firm that broke state law and only firing the firm after his bodyguard’s arrest was publicly reported raises key questions that he must answer:
- You severed ties with ARK protection only after Cleveland.com’s most recent reporting. Why did you wait more than a week after one of their bodyguards was charged with fentanyl trafficking?
- How can Ohioans trust that you will tackle Ohio’s opioid crisis when your own bodyguard is facing federal charges for dealing fentanyl and methamphetamine?
- You called Medicaid a “mistake” but it funds as much as 60% of substance use disorder treatments in Ohio. What’s your message to Ohioans dealing with substance use disorders who would see their treatment costs rise under your agenda?
- How will you make up the funding for local public safety and addiction services that will be decimated by your plan to end property taxes entirely?
- Why do you think you and your staff are above the law?
Read more about Vivek Ramaswamy’s bodyguard being arrested for drug trafficking and violating Ohio’s security registration laws:
- Cleveland.com: Bodyguards for GOP gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy didn’t have required Ohio licenses
- Columbus Dispatch: Vivek Ramaswamy fires security firm after ex-bodyguard arrested
- Fox 8: Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to get new security after drug trafficking allegations
- Associated Press: Vivek Ramaswamy’s family bodyguard arrested on drug trafficking charges
- The Daily Beast: MAGA Star’s Bodyguard Busted by Feds With Alleged Fentanyl Stockpile
- New York Post: Vivek Ramaswamy’s bodyguard hit with federal drug trafficking charges over fentanyl and meth dealing allegations
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