Trump Backs DOGE Decision to Cancel $21M India Voter Turnout Grant Amid Foreign Interference Concerns
In a bold move led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the US government canceled a $21 million grant intended to boost voter turnout in India. The decision, which was strongly backed by former President Donald Trump, has sparked political controversy in both the US and India, with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) labeling it “foreign interference.”
Key Highlights:
Trump Questions US Taxpayer Funds for India’s Elections:
Reacting to the funding cut, Donald Trump openly questioned why American taxpayer money was being used to finance India’s election-related programs.
“Why is India receiving $21 million from us? They received much more money. They are among the nations that impose the biggest taxes on us; their tariffs are so exorbitant that we can hardly enter. Although I greatly admire India and its Prime Minister, $21 million for voting turnout? In India? How is the voter turnout in this case?” – Trump stated from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
DOGE Cuts Multiple Foreign Aid Grants:
DOGE, which officially announced the funding cuts on February 16, listed several taxpayer-funded projects deemed excessive or unnecessary. Among the canceled foreign aid grants were:
- $21 million for voter participation in India
- $29 million for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh”
- $39 million for “fiscal federalism” and “biodiversity conservation” in Nepal
DOGE justified these cuts as a move to eliminate wasteful foreign spending, aligning with the America First agenda.
BJP Slams Foreign Interference in India’s Elections:
The BJP strongly criticized the now-canceled US funding, calling it an attempt to interfere in India’s electoral process.
“Voter turnout: $21 million? This is unquestionably outside meddling in India’s election process. Who benefits from this? Definitely not the ruling party,” said BJP National Spokesperson Amit Malviya.
George Soros and Alleged Foreign Influence in Indian Elections:
Malviya further claimed that billionaire financier George Soros was behind such foreign influence efforts in Indian elections.
“Once again, it is George Soros, a known associate of the Congress party and the Gandhis, whose shadow looms over our electoral process,” Malviya alleged.
He pointed to a 2012 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Election Commission of India and The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), which he claimed was connected to Soros’s Open Society Foundation.
According to BJP leaders, this MoU, signed under the previous Congress-led UPA government, allowed excessive foreign involvement in India’s electoral system.
“Ironically, those questioning the transparent and inclusive process of appointing India’s Election Commissioner had no hesitation in handing over the entire Election Commission of India to foreign operators,” Malviya remarked.
With Trump backing DOGE’s funding cut, the issue has fueled global political debates on foreign interference in national elections. The BJP sees the move as a justified rejection of external influence, while critics argue that it raises questions about previous foreign-funded election programs.
As India prepares for its next elections, the cancellation of this $21 million grant has sparked discussions on electoral transparency, sovereignty, and the role of foreign funding in democratic processes.
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