Key Points:
- US President Donald Trump has accused the Biden administration of attempting to influence India’s 2024 elections through a $21 million USAID grant for voter turnout.
- The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has canceled the funding, citing concerns over its necessity and transparency.
- Trump questioned why US taxpayer money was allocated to India, a country he described as “one of the highest taxing nations.”
- The controversy has sparked political uproar in India, with calls for an investigation into potential foreign interference in the electoral process.
- The BJP-led NDA retained power in the 2024 Indian elections but with a reduced majority, while the INDIA bloc opposition made significant gains.
New Delhi: In a dramatic escalation of accusations, US President Donald Trump has alleged that a $21 million grant from USAID intended to boost voter turnout in India may have been part of an effort by the Biden administration to interfere in India’s 2024 general elections. Speaking at the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami on Wednesday, Trump questioned the rationale behind such funding and announced its cancellation by the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected,” Trump said, hinting at possible election meddling. He further added, “We have got to tell the Indian Government… This is a total breakthrough.”
Funding Controversy
The controversy began when DOGE disclosed on February 16 that USAID had allocated $21 million for voter turnout efforts in India. The grant was part of broader international funding initiatives that included $29 million for strengthening Bangladesh’s political landscape and $20 million for fiscal federalism in Nepal. DOGE has since revoked all these allocations as part of its cost-cutting measures.
Trump defended DOGE’s actions, emphasizing that India, as one of the world’s highest-taxing nations, does not require US financial aid. “India has 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,” he said during an address at his Mar-a-Lago residence.
Indian Elections and Political Fallout
The timing of this revelation has added fuel to an already heated political climate in India. In the 2024 general elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP-led NDA government retained power but fell short of a majority, relying on allies to form the government. The opposition INDIA bloc made significant gains but could not dislodge the NDA from power.
The USAID funding disclosure has prompted sharp reactions from Indian political parties. BJP leaders have accused the opposition Congress party of benefiting from “external interference,” while Congress has called for a thorough investigation into USAID’s activities during the election period.
BJP MP Mahesh Jethmalani described the funding as “a euphemism for paying voters to cast their votes to effect regime change.” Former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi clarified that while USAID had agreements with India’s Election Commission, no financial assistance was involved.
Trump’s Broader Criticism
Trump framed this incident within his broader criticism of US foreign aid under previous administrations. He compared it to alleged Russian interference in US elections, stating, “When we hear that Russia spent about two thousand dollars in our country, it was a big deal. This is $21 million this is a total breakthrough.”
The President also highlighted his administration’s efforts to reduce unnecessary international spending through DOGE. “In less than a single month, DOGE has already saved over $55 billion and we’re just getting started,” Trump declared.
Impact on US-India Relations
Despite his criticisms, Trump maintained his respect for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I have a lot of respect for India and their Prime Minister,” he said. However, he questioned why funds were directed toward voter turnout efforts abroad instead of addressing domestic issues like improving voter participation within the United States.
The controversy comes shortly after Modi’s recent visit to Washington, where he held bilateral talks with Trump focusing on trade and defense cooperation. While both leaders have publicly expressed mutual respect, this funding dispute could strain diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Next Steps
As political tensions rise on both sides, calls for accountability and transparency are growing louder. In India, opposition parties and civil society groups are demanding clarity on whether any part of this funding influenced electoral outcomes. Meanwhile, DOGE continues its review of international aid programs under USAID as part of its broader mission to streamline government spending.
This unfolding saga underscores how foreign aid can become a flashpoint for geopolitical tensions and domestic political rivalries alike. Whether this incident will lead to deeper investigations or fade into political rhetoric remains to be seen.
