As he continues to defend the controversial decision by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Muk, to reduce a $21 million grant for India that was intended to increase “voter turnout,” US President Donald Trump has alluded to election meddling in India by the former administration of his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Speaking at Saudi Arabia government-backed FII Priority Summit in Miami on Wednesday night, Trump said, “Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? I guess they (Biden administration) were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian Government. This is a total breakthrough.”
Trump made similar comments at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday, asking why India was receiving the money when its trade policy and economic standing did not justify it.
“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,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for India and their Prime Minister, but giving $21 million for voter turnout?” Trump questioned.
As part of its larger budget overhaul plans, DOGE, which was created during the Trump 2.0 administration to monitor and reduce government expenditure, stated on February 16 that it would be cutting $723 million in funds for international aid.
Among the funds were a $21 million grant for India and a $29 million initiative to improve the political climate in Bangladesh. Days after his return to the White House, Musk announced DOGE’s plan to close USAID, which has an annual budget of over $40 billion to support development, health, and humanitarian programs worldwide, particularly in developing nations. President Trump also ordered a near-total freeze on all foreign aid. DOGE has reduced federal expenditure by $8.5 billion since Trump took office in January, with individual contract cancellations averaging about $7.7 million.
