Former US President Donald Trump has criticized the allocation of $21 million in US taxpayer funds for voter turnout efforts in India, questioning why such financial aid was necessary. Addressing the Republican Governors Association meeting in Washington, D.C., Trump expressed his frustration, stating, “Why are we caring about India turnout? We got enough problems. We want our own turnout.”
Allegations of Kickbacks and Interference
During his speech, which was televised by NBC News, Trump suggested that the money might have been part of a kickback scheme, claiming, “Can you imagine all that money going to India? I wonder what they think when they get it. It’s a kickback scheme. It’s not like they spend it. They kick it back to the people in many cases.”
He also questioned another US initiative involving $29 million for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh,” stating that such terms were often vague and suggested ulterior motives. “Nobody knows what they mean by political landscape. What does that mean?” he asked.
Musk-Led Government Department Cancels the Funding
The controversy gained further traction after Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) released a list of canceled US taxpayer-funded initiatives. The list explicitly mentioned the cancellation of $21 million earmarked for voter turnout in India.
“US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been canceled,” DOGE’s statement read, highlighting the India-specific funding.
Trump Hints at USAID’s Alleged Interference in Indian Elections
On Thursday, Trump went a step further, implying that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) may have been trying to influence India’s elections. “Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian Government… This is a total breakthrough,” he said.
Political War of Words in India
Trump’s remarks triggered a political firestorm in India, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress engaging in a heated exchange.
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya alleged that the money was being used to sustain “deep-state assets” in India. “A day after Trump spoke about $21 million being sent to India for voter turnout, he has reiterated the charge. And no, he is not confusing it with the $29 million funneled into Bangladesh. This money is also used to sustain deep-state assets who work to defend and deflect such revelations. We are now witnessing the same pattern unfold in India,” Malviya stated.
In response, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera countered the BJP’s claims, questioning the government’s role in allowing such funds to enter the country. “For the past week, a story has been running that USAID gave $21 million to destabilize the Narendra Modi government. If despite having so many security agencies, Modi government allowed 21 million dollars to enter India, then it is a matter of shame. At the same time, when Modi government was asked a question about this, they said that this money came in 2012 during the UPA regime. In such a situation, did BJP win in 2014 with this money?” Khera remarked.
With the controversy escalating, the issue of foreign funding in India’s electoral process has taken center stage, fueling debates over transparency, influence, and political accountability.
