Former U.S. President Donald Trump has alleged that the Biden administration allocated $18 million in funding to India to assist with its elections. During his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Saturday (February 22, 2025), he questioned why the United States was providing financial assistance to India for its electoral process, arguing that the country does not require such aid.
Criticism of USAID and Election Funding
Trump strongly criticized the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for allocating funds to India, claiming that the agency provided $21 million for “voter turnout.” He further accused India of taking advantage of the U.S., citing high tariffs imposed by India on American goods.
“Eighteen million dollars for helping India with its elections. Why the hell? Why don’t we just go to old paper ballots, and let them help us with their elections, right? Voter ID. Wouldn’t that be nice? We’re giving money to India for elections. They don’t need money,” he said.
Tariff Dispute and Financial Assistance
Trump also pointed out that India is one of the highest tariff-imposing nations in the world, criticizing the U.S. for providing financial aid despite India’s high import duties.
“They take advantage of us pretty good. One of the highest tariff nations in the world… We have a 200 percent [tariffs] there, and then we’re giving them a lot of money to help them with their election,” he remarked.
Funding to Bangladesh Also Questioned
In addition to India, Trump targeted USAID for allocating $29 million to Bangladesh, claiming that the funds were used to “strengthen the political landscape” in the country. Without naming any specific individual, he alleged that the money was meant to support a “radical left communist” candidate.
Jaishankar Calls for Investigation into USAID’s Activities
Reacting to the claims, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Saturday (Feb. 22) that the information released by the Trump administration was “concerning” and that the Indian government was looking into the matter.
During an event in New Delhi, Jaishankar noted that USAID was allowed to operate in India “in good faith, to do good faith activities,” but the allegations suggested that “there are activities which are in bad faith.” He stressed that if there was any truth to the claims, the Indian public deserved to know who was involved.
Congress Calls on Modi to Respond
The Congress party also weighed in on the controversy, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address Trump’s allegations and “talk to his friend” to refute the claims.
Trump’s Previous Allegations and DOGE’s Report
The latest remarks come after Trump raised similar concerns on February 19 and 20. At a Republican Governors Association meeting on February 20, he alleged that the $21 million allocated to India was a “kickback” scheme orchestrated under the Biden administration.
Trump’s claims were further backed by his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, which on February 16 reported that USAID contributed $21 million to the Election Commission of India to boost voter turnout. DOGE also stated that all such expenditures had been canceled.
