New York/Florida, February 19 – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has raised concerns over the $21 million allocation aimed at increasing voter participation in India’s elections, questioning the necessity of such financial aid. He further criticized India’s tax policies, calling the country one of the highest-taxing nations in the world.
Trump's comments came after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, revealed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had contributed $21 million to the Election Commission of India to enhance voter participation.
On February 16, DOGE published a detailed list of spending areas covered by U.S. taxpayers, including funding for electoral engagement in India. However, the department confirmed that all such allocations had been canceled.
Among the now-canceled expenditures were $29 million for strengthening Bangladesh's political landscape, $20 million for "fiscal federalism" in Nepal, and $19 million for biodiversity conservation in Nepal.
While signing executive orders at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Tuesday, Trump questioned the rationale behind such spending. "Why are we giving $21 million to increase voter participation in India? They have plenty of money. India is one of the highest-taxing nations in the world, in our view. Their tariffs are very high…" he remarked.
The executive orders signed by Trump emphasize the need for greater transparency in government spending, particularly regarding taxpayer funds used in foreign aid.
