U.S. President Donald Trump recently claimed that his country spent $21 million to increase voter turnout in India’s elections. His statement has triggered intense political debate in the world’s largest democracy.
A few days earlier, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, announced that this funding had been canceled as part of a new U.S. foreign aid policy.
Nationwide Political Controversy in India
India’s ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has called such assistance “foreign interference” and accused the opposition Congress party of seeking external support. However, Congress dismissed the allegations, calling Trump’s statement “baseless.”
On Friday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs labeled the matter “deeply concerning” but stated that it would not make immediate comments, as authorities were investigating the claims.
Trump’s Budget Cuts & USAID Debate
After returning to office, Trump introduced several cost-cutting measures, including the establishment of DOGE, led by Elon Musk, to oversee government spending. One of its key actions was reducing USAID projects, including:
$21 million for increasing voter turnout in India
$22 million for inclusive political processes in Moldova
Trump questioned, “Why should we spend money to boost voter participation in a wealthy country like India?”
Political Reactions
BJP’s IT cell head, Amit Malviya, shared an old video of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, where he criticized India’s democratic decline. Malviya claimed this was proof that Gandhi sought foreign intervention.
In response, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh pointed out that USAID provided assistance to India even during Prime Minister Modi’s tenure, accusing BJP of using the controversy for political gain.
Did USAID Really Provide $21 Million to India?
Neither Trump, Musk, nor DOGE has provided any proof that USAID actually spent $21 million on voter turnout in India. India’s Election Commission has not commented on the matter.
Meanwhile, The Indian Express reported that the $21 million was actually meant for an electoral project in Bangladesh, not India. According to the report, $13.4 million had already been spent, and the project was scheduled to continue until July 2025.