'Unacceptable for America': Much ado about Vivek Ramaswamy's barefoot interview

US Republican politician Vivek Ramaswamy's year-old on-camera interview, where he is seen wearing formal wear minus his shoes, is once again making the rounds on the Internet, with many critising him for his 'barefoot style'.

Ramaswamy, who quit the US Department of Government Efficiency, which he previously headed with Elon Musk, is currently setting up his campaign to run as Governor of Ohio in 2026.

The 39-year-old Harvard graduate had held an interview in his residence last year, where he had skipped the footwear. After the image was circulated on social media, Ramaswamy has received a wave of negative comments, with some even saying, "we aren't in India."

"Vivek will never be governor of Ohio. This is unacceptable for America," one user on X wrote.

Another said, "imagine the smell", while a third added, "where are your socks?"

One user went on a rant, stating, "This is an interview. It is not respectful to sit in such comfort and expect to be taken seriously. This is not American culture, we are in America. This is not a Saturday night out with your cousins sitting on your couch with a glass of wine. Show some decorum. I don’t want to look at your feet in this setting, ever."

“Vivek lectures us about education while barefoot. Uncivilised,” a user said, referring to the Ramaswamy’s controversial comments on why America cannot produce world-class engineers.

"Not even eccentric billionaire behaviour, just straight up third-world uncle energy," another commented.

Alternatively, he also got lots of support from those opposing the trolls. "Shoes should not be worn in the house. Period. I don’t care who you are. If you are unwilling to remove your shoes and leave them at the entrance foyer, the designated area for outside shoes… then you are not welcome in my home. I fully support Vivek Ramaswamy on this," one user wrote.

Commentator Ian Miles Cheong defended the entrepreneur and Republican, by saying “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.”

Kim Iversen, an American radio personality, wrote, "I understand this is a 'culture' thing, but you non-Asians wearing shoes in your homes need a culture shift. Also, in my house, not only do we remove our shoes, but you can’t wear socks either. I have all hardwood floors, and we’ve already have 4 people slip and fall. (I do provide slippers with soles to guests if needed but I myself walk around barefoot. Barefoot is actually good for you)."