Trump questions USD 21 million aid to India

New York

US President Donald Trump has once again raised concerns about the Biden administration’s decision to allocate USD 21 million to India for voter turnout. Speaking at the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami on Thursday, he speculated, "I guess they (the Biden administration) were trying to get somebody else elected."

On Wednesday, he reiterated his concerns, questioning why such funds were necessary. "Why do we need to spend USD 21 million for voter turnout in India? We have got to tell the Indian Government," he remarked.

His comments followed a report from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, which disclosed USAID's contributions to electoral and governance projects in Asia. Trump also highlighted other funding, stating, "USD 29 million to strengthen the political landscape in Bangladesh... USD 19 million for biodiversity conservation in Nepal... Asia is doing well, we don’t need to give them money."

DOGE later confirmed that all such funding had been canceled. Meanwhile, USAID, responsible for humanitarian aid, was shut down under Musk’s leadership.

Following these developments, a Trump-nominated judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing the administration from placing 2,200 employees on leave, as the debate over US foreign aid spending continues.

Congress seeks white paper on USAID funding

Amid controversy over USAID’s alleged funding for voter turnout in India, Congress dismissed former US President Donald Trump’s claims as “nonsensical.” Trump had questioned, “Why do we need to spend $21 million for voter turnout in India?” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh emphasized transparency, stating the government should clarify USAID’s past contributions to both governmental and non-governmental institutions in India.