Trump questions $21 million USAID grant for voter turnout in India

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has raised concerns over a $21 million USAID grant allocated to boost voter participation in India. Speaking at a public event at Mar-a-Lago, Trump questioned the necessity of such financial aid, citing India’s economic strength and high tariffs on American goods.

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Trump expressed skepticism over why taxpayer money was being directed toward India’s electoral process, especially when the country is a major global economy. He noted that India imposes steep tariffs on U.S. products, making trade access difficult. While acknowledging his respect for India and its leadership, he argued that such funding should be reassessed.

The decision to allocate the funds was made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), currently led by Elon Musk. The move is part of a larger debate on how U.S. foreign aid is distributed, with critics arguing that wealthier nations should not receive such assistance.

Trump’s remarks reflect his long-standing stance on reducing foreign aid and prioritizing domestic interests. His comments are likely to fuel further discussions on U.S. financial commitments abroad, particularly to countries with strong economies. Meanwhile, neither USAID nor the Indian government has officially responded to the controversy.