US President Donald Trump has repeated his claim that USAID sent $21 million for “voter turnout” in India, benefiting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His comments sparked a political dispute between India’s ruling BJP and the opposition Congress. Both parties have accused each other of benefiting from the funds.
At a recent event, Trump questioned why the US sends such large sums abroad when it could support the US economy instead. He said, “$21 million going to my friend, Prime Minister Modi in India for voter turnout. What about us? I want voter turnout too.”
USAID cancels funding for foreign aid programs
On February 16, the US Department of Government Efficiency cancelled several international aid projects. These included $486 million in grants to the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS). The consortium helps support elections and democratic processes worldwide. Trump had earlier placed a freeze on USAID funds for a 90-day review.
Trump criticised the spending, saying, “What do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected.” He suggested that the previous US administration may have been trying to influence Indian elections.
Reactions from Indian political parties
Trump’s comments have caused a stir in India. The BJP sees them as confirmation of foreign interference in India’s elections. BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya said that Trump’s remarks back Modi’s 2024 campaign claim that foreign powers were trying to block his re-election.
The Congress party dismissed Trump’s statements as “nonsensical.” They called for transparency about USAID’s funding to Indian government and non-governmental organisations.
Report disputes Trump’s claims
On Friday, The Indian Express reported that the $21 million was actually meant for Bangladesh, not India. The report also noted that USAID had not funded any CEPPS projects in India since 2008.
Despite this, Malviya maintained that Trump’s statements were correct. He questioned the credibility of the Indian Express report and continued to defend Trump’s claims.
