'I've a lot of respect for PM Modi, but giving $21 mn...': Trump backs Doge claim on voter turnout aid

US President Donald Trump supported the Department of Government Efficiency’s (Doge) decision to cut a USD 21 million aid package for voter turnout in India, stating that the South Asian nation has plenty of money and imposes high taxes.

“Why are we giving USD 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 USD 21 million for voter turnout?” Trump said.

#WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "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… pic.twitter.com/W26OEGEejT

— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2025

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He emphasised that he has a lot of respect for the country, but it imposes high taxes and maintains steep import tariffs.

The statement comes after the Musk-led Doge revoked US aid for several initiatives, including a $21 million grant to the Election Commission of India for the voter turnout.

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List of slashed taxpayer-funded programs

Doge shared a list of taxpayer-funded programs on February 16 that have been slashed. The list also includes a $29 million grant for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh” and $39 million for “fiscal federalism” and “biodiversity conservation” in Nepal.

US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all which have been cancelled:
- $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision"
- $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop "a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills"
- $2.3M for "strengthening…

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) February 15, 2025

Doge emphasised that all cancelled expenditures were part of a broader effort to cut unnecessary spending.

After assuming office at the White House, Trump paused all foreign aid. He did this with the assistance of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) and is scrutinising USAID’s financial practices.

External interference" in India’s electoral process: BJP

The ruling BJP has termed the funding as “external interference” in India’s electoral process.

“$21M for voter turnout? This definitely is external interference in India’s electoral process. Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!” said BJP national spokesperson Amit Malviya.