U.S. President Donald Trump criticized USAID and India for allegedly granting millions for “voter turnout” during Indian elections.
Trump mentioned a grant of $18 million (down from $21 million previously stated) for India's elections, questioning why the U.S. was giving money to India, a country with high tariffs.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, first mentioned the grant on February 16.
Trump referred to it multiple times, but the accuracy of the information is being questioned.
There is uncertainty about whether the $18 million was actually spent or is still an allocation.
DOGE's posts referred to the money being "planned" for spending, not already disbursed, and those payments have now been canceled.
Investigations by Indian media and The Washington Post found no evidence of a voter turnout project in India. USAID officials have denied such a project.
Archived websites show discrepancies, with the USAID-funded consortium not listing India in its operational countries between 2015-2020.
Past funding in India was much lower than the alleged $21 million for voter turnout.
The Indian government has expressed concern, and officials are looking into the issue, but have not commented on Trump's latest remarks.
COMMENTS