Former U.S. President Donald Trump has alleged that the Biden administration allocated $18 million in funding to India to assist with its elections, arguing that the country does not require such financial support.
Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Saturday, Trump repeatedly criticized the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for providing $21 million to India for “voter turnout.”
During his speech, he also accused India of exploiting the U.S. economy.
“18 million dollars for helping India with its elections. Why the hell? Why don’t we just go to old paper ballots, and let them help us with their elections, right? Voter ID. Wouldn’t that be nice? We’re giving money to India for elections. They don’t need money,” he stated.
“They take advantage of us pretty good. One of the highest tariff nations in the world…We have a 200 per cent (tariffs) there and then we’re giving them a lot of money to help them with their election,” Trump added.
He also criticized USAID for providing $29 million to Bangladesh, alleging the funds were being used to support a leftist political agenda.
“USD 29 million goes to strengthen the political landscape and help them out so that they can vote for a radical left communist in Bangladesh,” he remarked, without naming any individual.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that the Biden administration allocated $21 million through USAID to India for “voter turnout,” sparking controversy over the financial assistance.
Responding to these allegations, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday that the information being circulated by Trump and his associates is “concerning” and that the government is investigating the matter.
Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Jaishankar noted that USAID was permitted to operate in India “in good faith, to do good faith activities” but added that some quarters in the U.S. are suggesting “there are activities which are in bad faith.”
“So, it surely warrants a look. And, if there is something to it, I think the country should know who are the people involved in the bad faith activities,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, the Congress party on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “talk to his friend” and strongly refute the allegation.
Earlier on Thursday, at a Republican Governors Association meeting, Trump claimed that the $21 million allocated to India for “voter turnout” was a “kickback” scheme, continuing his criticism of the Biden administration.
His remarks followed similar claims made earlier in the week after his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, alleged that USAID provided $21 million to the Election Commission of India to boost voter turnout. DOGE also stated on February 16 that all the listed expenditures had been canceled.
