Tue Feb 18 02:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Musk’s DOGE Cuts $21 Million India Voter Turnout Grant, Sparking Protests and Lawsuit
**WASHINGTON, D.C.** – Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has cancelled a $21 million grant aimed at improving voter turnout in India, triggering widespread controversy and protests. The cancellation, announced February 16th, is part of a broader effort to slash federal spending, also affecting programs in Mozambique and Bangladesh.
The move has drawn criticism from various quarters. BJP member Amit Malviya questioned the grant’s purpose, suggesting potential foreign interference in Indian elections. Meanwhile, protests erupted across the US outside Tesla dealerships, with demonstrators expressing concerns about Musk’s austerity measures and their potential impact on public services and Tesla itself.
A lawsuit has been filed by state attorneys general challenging Musk’s authority to implement such sweeping budget cuts without congressional approval. They argue his appointment grants him excessive power. The decision aligns with President Trump’s focus on reducing government spending, a policy Musk has publicly championed to avert national bankruptcy. The cancellation of the India grant, however, highlights the significant political and legal ramifications of these drastic cost-cutting measures.
First Piper 