Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) questioned the allocation of $21 million in financial assistance for voter turnout in India through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). He argued that India is “one of the highest taxing countries” and imposes “high tariffs,” making such aid unnecessary.
Trump made the remarks during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence while referring to the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) recent decision to cancel the USAID funding designated for voter turnout in India. The revelation of this decision has stirred a political uproar in both the U.S. and India.
“Why are we giving $21 million to India? They have a lot more money. They are one of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us; we can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high. I have a lot of respect for India and their Prime Minister, but giving $21 million for voter turnout?” Trump remarked.
The DOGE, led by Elon Musk, announced on February 16 that the $21 million fund had been scrapped. The decision was part of a broader review of U.S. taxpayer funds allocated to various countries for political and electoral processes.
A list released by DOGE detailed several international allocations, including $486 million to the “Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening.” This included $22 million for “inclusive and participatory political process” in Moldova and the now-cancelled $21 million for voter turnout efforts in India.
The move to withdraw the funds has ignited debates over U.S. foreign aid priorities and India’s electoral framework. Indian authorities have yet to officially respond to the development, but political analysts suggest that the decision could have diplomatic and economic implications for U.S.-India relations.
