Fri Feb 21 10:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Trump Renews Accusations of $21 Million India “Kickback” Scheme
**NEW DELHI/WASHINGTON D.C.** – US President Donald Trump has again accused the US government of funneling $21 million in taxpayer money to India in 2012 for “voter turnout,” calling it a “kickback scheme.” Speaking to Republican state governors, Trump reiterated his unsubstantiated claims, questioning the purpose of the funds provided through USAID and suggesting the money was returned to those who authorized the grants. He also criticized a separate $29 million grant to Bangladesh for similar purposes. Trump offered no evidence to support his allegations.
Trump’s remarks have been seized upon by India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP officials Amit Malviya and Pradeep Bhandari linked the allegations to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, claiming the funds were used to support “deep state assets” and suggesting Gandhi and the Congress party benefited from the alleged kickback. They also connected the funding to the philanthropist George Soros, alleging that funds were channeled through USAID and Soros’ organizations to spread “anti-India” narratives.
The Congress party has vehemently denied these accusations and demanded a full investigation into the use of USAID funds in India. The controversy follows the Trump administration’s termination of USAID funding to several countries, including India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, citing budget cuts. The ongoing political sparring in India highlights the sensitive nature of foreign aid and its potential use in domestic political battles.
First Piper 