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US President Donald Trump voices concerns over $21 million aid to India, citing high tariffs and questioning its necessity for voter turnout. What are your thoughts on this?
Trump Backs Elon Musk-Led DOGE in Blocking $21M US Funding for Voter Turnout in India
Former US President Donald Trump on Wednesday supported the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, in its decision to halt $21 million in US funding for “voter turnout” efforts in India.
Questioning the rationale behind the allocation, Trump expressed his concerns over the US providing financial assistance to India. “Why are we giving $21 million to India? They have plenty of money. In terms of us, they are one of the highest taxing countries in the world—we can barely get in because their tariffs are so high,” Trump stated.
While acknowledging his respect for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he criticized the funding decision, adding, “Giving $21 million for voter turnout? That doesn’t make sense.
After the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) revoked a $21 million fund designated for ‘Voter Turnout in India,’ President Donald Trump remarked that India, with its growing economy and high tax revenues, did not need such financial assistance.
While expressing his admiration for India and its Prime Minister, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the idea of allocating funds for voter turnout initiatives in the country.
Speaking at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday (local time) while signing executive orders, Trump questioned the decision, stating, “Why are we giving USD 21 million to India? They have plenty of money. In terms of trade, they are one of the highest taxing countries for us, and their tariffs make it extremely difficult for us to enter their market. I have great respect for India and its Prime Minister, but why are we funding voter turnout there?
On February 16, DOGE, backed by Elon Musk, announced the cancellation of multiple US taxpayer-funded initiatives, including a $21 million allocation intended for “voter turnout in India.”
In a post on X, DOGE shared a list of scrapped expenditures, stating, “US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been cancelled.” Among the canceled allocations was the $21 million fund designated for voter participation efforts in India.
Amit Malviya Questions US Funding for Voter Turnout in India, Calls It ‘External Interference’
Following the recent announcement of funding cancellations by the US Department of State, BJP leader Amit Malviya took to X to question the intent behind a proposed $21 million allocation for voter turnout in India.
“USD 21M for voter turnout? This is undoubtedly external interference in India’s electoral process. Who benefits from this? Certainly not the ruling party!” Malviya wrote, raising concerns over foreign influence in domestic affairs.
The US Department of State’s Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary (DOGE) announced the cancellation of multiple funding programs worldwide, including:
- $10 million meant for “Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision”
- $486 million allocated to the “Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening,” which included $22 million for an “inclusive and participatory political process” in Moldova and the now-cancelled $21 million for voter turnout initiatives in India
- $29 million planned for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh”
- $39 million designated for “fiscal federalism” and “biodiversity conservation” in Nepal
- $1.5 million aimed at “voter confidence” in Liberia
- $14 million for “social cohesion” initiatives in Mali
- $2.5 million to support “inclusive democracies in Southern Africa”
- $47 million originally set for “improving learning outcomes in Asia
Trump Warns India of Reciprocal Tariffs; PM Modi’s Response Revealed
Donald Trump reaffirmed his position on reciprocal tariffs, informing Prime Minister Modi that India will face equivalent U.S. tariffs on its exports. He stressed that no country can challenge his policy. Meanwhile, Elon Musk confirmed India’s 100% auto import duty.
U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he firmly communicated to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that India will not be exempt from Washington’s reciprocal tariffs. Emphasizing his stance on trade policies, Trump asserted, “Nobody can argue with me” regarding tariff structures. He made these remarks during a recent interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity. The interview was part of a joint television special featuring Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, which aired on Fox News on Tuesday night.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his firm stance on trade policies, stating that he made it clear to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that India will not receive an exemption from Washington’s reciprocal tariffs. Speaking in a recent interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Trump emphasized his unwavering position, asserting, “Nobody can argue with me” when it comes to tariff structures.
The interview was part of a joint television special featuring Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, which aired on Fox News on Tuesday night.
Elon Musk criticized India’s high tariffs on automobile imports, highlighting the challenges faced by foreign manufacturers. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Musk stated, “He goes, ‘No, no, I don’t like that.’ ‘No, no, whatever you charge, I’m going to charge.’ I’m doing that with every country.”
He pointed out that India imposes a 100% tariff on certain auto imports from the U.S., making it difficult for companies like Tesla to enter the Indian market. “It’s 100 per cent—auto imports are 100 per cent,” Musk emphasized, underscoring the restrictive trade policies affecting the sector.
SpaceX, founded and owned by Elon Musk, has been tasked with bringing astronauts Williams and Butch Wilmore back to Earth. Musk stated that the rescue mission would take place within a month.
“They were left up there for political reasons, which is not good,” Musk remarked. “Okay, it’s not good… We don’t want to be complacent, but we’ve successfully brought astronauts back from the space station many times before.”
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, saying, “They didn’t have the go-ahead with Biden. He was going to leave them in space.
Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated live blog and has not been edited by Localtak staff.
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