US President Donald Trump backed the Department of Government Efficiency’s (Doge) decision to cancel a $21 million aid package for voter turnout in India. He argued that India is wealthy, imposes high taxes, and maintains steep tariffs on US goods.
Trump Questions US Aid to India
Trump strongly opposed giving financial aid to India. He asked, “Why are we giving USD 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 USD 21 million for voter turnout?”
Although he praised India and its leadership, he criticized the country’s high tariffs and taxation policies, which, according to him, make trade difficult for the US.
#WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "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… pic.twitter.com/W26OEGEejT
— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2025
Doge Cuts Several Foreign Aid Programs
On February 16, Doge announced the cancellation of multiple foreign aid programs. The decision to cut India’s $21 million voter turnout grant was part of a broader effort to reduce government spending.
Other programs affected include:
- $29 million for strengthening Bangladesh’s political landscape
- $39 million for fiscal federalism and biodiversity conservation in Nepal
Doge emphasized that these cuts aimed to eliminate unnecessary spending.
US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all which have been cancelled:
– $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision"
– $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop "a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills"
– $2.3M for "strengthening…— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) February 15, 2025
Trump Focuses on Reducing Foreign Aid
Since taking office, Trump has prioritized limiting foreign aid. With support from Elon Musk’s Doge, his administration has carefully reviewed USAID’s financial decisions. This move aligns with his broader plan to reduce unnecessary expenditures.
BJP Calls Funding “External Interference”
India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly opposed the US aid. They viewed it as an attempt to interfere in India’s electoral process.
BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya stated, “$21M for voter turnout? This definitely is external interference in India’s electoral process. Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!”
The BJP welcomed the aid withdrawal and emphasized that India does not need foreign involvement in its elections.
