‘India Has A Lot More Money’: Trump Questions $21 Million Voter Turnout Funds After DOGE Red Flag

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) questioned the need to give financial assistance of $21 million for voter turnout in India through USAID and said that the nation is “one of the highest taxing countries” with “high tariffs”.

His remarks came in reference to the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) decision to cancel the USAID fund designated for voter turnout in India, the revelation of which has created a political uproar in the country.

What Did Trump Say?
Addressing a presser at Mar-a-Lago, Trump mentioned about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his recent two-day visit to the US.

“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. I have a lot of respect for India and their Prime Minister, but giving $21 million for voter turnout?” Trump said.

On February 16, Elon Musk-led DOGE had announced that the $21 million fund had been cancelled, which also included funds for voter turnout in India. The DOGE listed all the funds by the US taxpayers that were being allocated to various countries for different purposes. The list also mentioned $21 Million to India.

“$486M to the “Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening,” including $22M for “inclusive and participatory political process” in Moldova and $21M for voter turnout in India,” the post said.