‘Have some socks on:’ Vivek Ramaswamy called ‘uncivilised’ over barefoot interview

Vivek Ramaswamy is back in controversy, this time after one of his clips went viral on social media showing him giving an interview barefoot at his home. The 39-year-old Indian American entrepreneur and former presidential candidate faced backlash on social media, with some calling his action “uncivilised” and “anti-American “.

The dumbest argument I’ve heard against Vivek is that going barefoot in your own house is anti-American. I guess too many people grew up on sitcoms where they wear their shoes in bed. pic.twitter.com/JVfJMa6VKe

— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) February 28, 2025

The photo is taken from a livestream last year.

Critics slam Ramaswamy

The photo quickly sparked an outrage on social media. One user wrote, “Vivek will never be governor of Ohio. This is unacceptable for America.” Another user said Vivek must have put socks on, at least.

“Maybe at least have some socks on while you interview for a position in the most powerful empire on the planet, yeah?”

A third user wrote how “uncivilised” it was for Vivek to lecture us on education while being barefoot.

Users come to Vivek’s defence

But not everyone spew criticism over Vivek’s choice to go barefoot in the interview.

Commentator Ian Miles Cheong quickly termed Vivek’s criticism as “dumbest argument” he has ever heard.

“I guess too many people grew up on sitcoms where they wear their shoes in bed,” wrote Cheong, pointing out how going barefoot was hardly anti-American.

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Other users pointed how removing shoes inside homes was a cultural thing, including in South and East Asia.

“Nearly all Indians go barefoot in their own homes. There’s nothing wrong with it. Just a cultural thing,” a user wrote.

“In Indian tradition, it is customary to take off your shoes before entering someone’s home, considered a sign of respect and hygiene, as it prevents bringing dirt and germs from outside into the house; this practice is widely followed,” a second user pointed out.

Political commentator Kim Iversen also joined the debate, saying, “I understand this is a ‘culture’ thing, but you non-Asians wearing shoes in your homes need a culture shift.”

Amid this debate on social media, Vivek Ramaswamy himself addressed his critics, saying, “This is America, folks. I let the dogs out in my house when I feel like it.”

Vivek’s response too garnered some criticism but others praised him for his confidence and independence.