US Department Cancels India-Linked Fund, Trump Criticizes High Tariffs and Foreign Spending
Washington DC [US], February 19: US President Donald Trump has questioned a now-cancelled $21 million funding initiative meant for voter turnout efforts in India, stating that the country does not require financial support given its strong economy and high taxation policies.
While signing executive orders at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday (local time), Trump expressed his reservations about US taxpayer money being allocated for such causes abroad.
“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?” Trump said.
US Department of Government Efficiency Cancels Funding
The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, recently announced the cancellation of several foreign aid programs funded by US taxpayers. Among them was the $21 million earmarked for “voter turnout in India.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), DOGE listed the cancelled expenditures, which included:
- $21 million for voter turnout in India
- $22 million for an “inclusive and participatory political process” in Moldova
- $29 million for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh”
- $39 million for “fiscal federalism” and “biodiversity conservation” in Nepal
- $10 million for “Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision”
- $47 million for “improving learning outcomes in Asia”
“US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been cancelled,” DOGE stated in its announcement.
Reactions from India
The decision to allocate funds for voter turnout in India sparked controversy, with many questioning the intent behind such funding. BJP leader Amit Malviya reacted to the news, calling it an “external interference” in India’s democratic process.
“This definitely is external interference in India’s electoral process. Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!” Malviya posted on X.
The cancellation of the funds has stirred debates about US involvement in foreign electoral processes and whether such financial allocations are justified.
With growing scrutiny over foreign aid spending, Trump’s administration continues to push for a policy of “America First,” cutting expenditures deemed unnecessary while redirecting focus on domestic priorities.