Thu Feb 20 10:32:54 UTC 2025: ## Trump Condemns $21 Million US Aid to Boost Indian Voter Turnout

**Miami, FL – February 20, 2025** – Former US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized the Biden administration’s allocation of $21 million in US aid to India aimed at increasing voter turnout. Speaking at the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami on Thursday, Trump questioned the necessity of the funding, suggesting it was an attempt to influence the Indian election.

Trump reiterated concerns previously voiced, highlighting the allocation as an example of wasteful government spending. He compared the $21 million figure to the relatively smaller sums allegedly spent by Russia in US elections, emphasizing the perceived disproportionate nature of the aid. He also cited other examples of what he called excessive foreign aid, including $29 million to Bangladesh for strengthening its political landscape.

These remarks follow a disclosure by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) provided the funds to India’s Election Commission. While DOGE, tasked with government workforce reduction, has reportedly canceled the funding along with other international aid programs, Trump remains highly critical of the initial allocation. The DOGE’s publicized list of canceled funding also included allocations to Bangladesh, Nepal, and other Asian nations.

The controversy comes amidst broader reports of a shutdown of USAID’s global humanitarian efforts, initially reported by ABC News and confirmed by Trump’s actions. A temporary restraining order has since been issued preventing the immediate layoff of 2,200 USAID employees.

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