Trump Defends $21 Million Funding Cut for India’s Voter Turnout, Calls It ‘Unnecessary Spending’

Washington, D.C. – February 19, 2025: U.S. President Donald Trump has defended the recent decision by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut a $21 million grant that was allocated to boost voter turnout in India. The move has sparked political debate both in the United States and India.

Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, President Trump questioned why American taxpayer money was being spent on India’s elections when the U.S. has its own domestic challenges to address.

#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

“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 and their Prime Minister, but giving $21 million for voter turnout? In India? What about voter turnout here?” Trump stated.

DOGE’s Budget Cuts Stir Global Reaction

On February 16, the Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, released a list of taxpayer-funded programs that have been scrapped. Alongside the Indian voter turnout initiative, DOGE also cut a $29 million grant meant to support political development in Bangladesh and a $39 million project for “fiscal federalism” and “biodiversity conservation” in Nepal.

In a statement on social media platform X, DOGE said: “US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been canceled.”

BJP Calls It “External Interference”

In India, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the voter turnout funding, calling it an attempt to influence India’s democratic process.

“$21 million for voter turnout? This is definitely external interference in India’s electoral process. Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!” BJP national spokesperson Amit Malviya said in a statement.

Malviya further alleged that the funding was linked to what he called the “systematic infiltration” of Indian institutions by foreign entities, naming billionaire investor George Soros as a potential influence behind the initiative.

Congress and Civil Society Defend Foreign Assistance

In contrast, members of India’s opposition Congress party and various civil society organizations argued that such international assistance has historically supported democratic processes worldwide. “This is not interference. It is about strengthening democracy,” a Congress leader stated, pushing back against the BJP’s claims.

Future of US-India Relations

The controversy has further fueled discussions about foreign influence in domestic policies, both in the U.S. and India. While Trump has reiterated his respect for India’s leadership, the decision to cut funding raises questions about the future of U.S. involvement in global democratic initiatives.

As the 2024 U.S. election approaches, Trump’s stance on foreign aid is expected to be a key talking point, with his administration focusing on reducing expenditures abroad and prioritizing domestic programs