NEW YORK, Feb 21: Former US President Donald Trump has characterized the USD 21 million allocated to India for ‘voter turnout’ as a “kickback” scheme, intensifying his criticism of the prior Biden administration in light of its cancellation.
Trump made these comments during a speech at the Republican Governors Association meeting held in Washington DC on Thursday.
“Why are we interested in India’s voter turnout when we have plenty of issues at home? We need to focus on our own elections,” Trump remarked regarding the funding.
Continuing his argument, he stated, “In many instances, when there’s a lack of clarity, it suggests a kickback because nobody seems to know what’s happening there.”
This marks the third occasion in a week that Trump has questioned the funding.
Earlier at the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami, Trump similarly expressed concerns, suggesting the funding was aimed at influencing elections in India.
On Wednesday, he highlighted the impracticality of providing USD 21 million for voter turnout, asserting the US is restricted due to high Indian tariffs.
These statements follow a recent revelation by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, which disclosed that USAID provided USD 21 million to the Election Commission to enhance voter turnout in India.
On February 16, DOGE outlined the allocation of “US taxpayer dollars,” which included the controversial USD 21 million for Iranian voter turnout, noting that all items listed have since been canceled.
The list featured allocations of USD 29 million for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh,” USD 20 million for “fiscal federalism,” USD 19 million for “biodiversity conservation” in Nepal, and USD 47 million for “improving learning outcomes in Asia.”
During his address at the Republican Governors Association, Trump also scrutinized the USD 29 million earmarked for Bangladesh’s political landscape.
“What does ‘political landscape’ even mean? Nobody understands it,” he questioned.
“And what about USD 20 million for fiscal federalism, USD 19 million for biodiversity in Nepal, and USD 47 million for education improvements in Asia? Why should I care? We have so many issues at home and all of this has been terminated. We’re turning things around. There are many other wasteful programs I could discuss all night long, but I won’t keep you from your dinner; it’s time to drain the swamp,” he added.
The DOGE has been tasked with managing workforce reductions across the government, and Musk has announced plans to shut down USAID, the agency responsible for global humanitarian assistance.
According to USAID officials, humanitarian operations worldwide came to a halt as of February 7, as reported by ABC News.
The agency’s website was taken offline prior to Musk’s announcement, and subsequently, a temporary restraining order was issued by a judge appointed by Trump, preventing the president and DOGE from placing 2,200 employees on administrative leave. (PTI)
