Trump Criticizes U.S. Funding for Voter Turnout in India, Calls Nation “Very Wealthy”
Washington D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has questioned a $21 million allocation by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) aimed at promoting voter turnout in India, calling the expenditure unnecessary given India’s economic strength.
Speaking at a press event in Mar-a-Lago, Trump expressed frustration over the U.S. government’s foreign aid policies, particularly funds directed toward countries he believes do not need financial assistance. “Why are we giving $21 million to India? They have a lot of money. They’re one of the highest-taxing countries in the world. Meanwhile, we have problems here at home,” he said.
Trump’s remarks come after a recent government review led to the cancellation of the USAID program, which was intended to enhance voter participation in India’s democratic process. The funding had been part of a larger initiative to support democratic institutions globally, but it sparked debate over the appropriateness of using American taxpayer dollars for election-related efforts in a foreign country.
The statement has drawn mixed reactions. Some U.S. policymakers have defended foreign aid as a means of strengthening international alliances, while others have echoed Trump’s concerns, arguing that funds should prioritize domestic issues. In India, the revelation of the voter turnout initiative has also triggered political discussions, with opposition leaders questioning the influence of foreign entities in the country’s electoral processes.
This is not the first time Trump has been vocal about U.S. financial aid policies. During his presidency, he advocated for a more stringent review of foreign assistance, repeatedly asserting that wealthy nations should not be receiving American funding. His latest remarks suggest that the debate over U.S. spending on international initiatives remains a significant issue in the country’s political landscape.
Dhanya Reddy S
Alma Media School Student
