Former US President Donald Trump voiced his backing for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after it canceled a $21 million grant intended for voter turnout initiatives in India.
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump questioned the rationale behind the US providing financial assistance to India, a country he described as having ‘significantly more money’ and imposing ‘high tariffs’ on American products.
Trump: “Why Are We Giving $21 Million to India?”
DOGE Scraps Multiple Foreign Assistance Programs
The DOGE, led by Elon Musk, announced on February 16 that it was revoking several international aid programs deemed unnecessary.
The India voter turnout grant was at the top of the list, along with:
- $29 million for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh”
- $39 million for “fiscal federalism” and “biodiversity conservation” in Nepal
DOGE justified the cuts, stating that US taxpayer dollars should not be spent on foreign electoral projects.
BJP Condemns Grant, Calls It “External Interference”
India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticised the original grant, calling it an attempt at foreign interference in India’s elections.
BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya questioned the motivations behind the funding, arguing that it was unlikely to benefit the ruling party.
Malviya linked the funding to billionaire investor George Soros, often accused by right-wing figures of attempting to influence global politics.
He pointed to a 2012 MoU between the Election Commission of India and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), an organisation connected to Soros’s Open Society Foundation.
“Soros’s Shadow Looms Over Our Electoral Process” – BJP
Malviya claimed that foreign entities like Soros have tried to infiltrate Indian institutions, particularly through previous Congress-led governments.
He accused the opposition of allowing external funding that could undermine national interests.
What’s Next?
The cancellation of the grant is expected to further strain US-India relations, particularly as both countries navigate diplomatic and economic ties.
While Trump has voiced respect for India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his administration has consistently pushed for reciprocity in trade and tariffs.
The controversy over the $21 million grant has ignited debates on foreign influence in elections and US foreign aid priorities.
With Trump doubling down on “America First” policies, funding for international democracy initiatives may face further scrutiny in the coming months.
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