Trump slams $21M USAID to India as ‘Kickback,’ ignites BJP-Congress clash
Donald Trump slammed the now-canceled $21 million USAID fund for India’s voter turnout, calling it a “kickback scheme.” Speaking at the Republican Governors Association meeting in Washington, DC, he questioned the purpose of the funding. “Why are we caring about India’s turnout? We got enough problems. We want our own turnout,” he said.
Trump doubled down on his criticism. “Can you imagine all that money going to India? It’s not like they spend it. They kick it back,” he said in a speech broadcast by NBC News. He linked it to broader misuse of taxpayer money, citing $29 million earmarked for strengthening Bangladesh’s political landscape. “Nobody knows what that means,” he added.
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) published a list of scrapped taxpayer-funded projects. The document specifically mentioned the $21 million allocated for India’s voter turnout. “US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on these items, all of which have been canceled,” DOGE stated.
On Thursday, Trump hinted at possible election interference. “I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected,” he alleged. “We have to tell the Indian government… This is a total breakthrough.”
BJP vs Congress Clash
Trump’s remarks reignited political tensions in India. BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya claimed the funds sustained “deep-state assets” working to cover up such revelations. “Trump is not confusing this with Bangladesh’s $29 million. This money is used to defend and deflect. We are seeing the same pattern in India,” Malviya asserted.
Congress responded sharply. Spokesperson Pawan Khera dismissed the claims. “For a week, a story has been circulating that USAID gave $21 million to destabilize Modi’s government. If true, it’s a shame that despite security agencies, the Modi government let this money enter India,” he said. Khera also pointed to BJP’s past, stating, “When asked, the Modi government said this money came in 2012 under UPA. Did BJP win in 2014 using this money?”
The controversy continues, fueling fresh debate on foreign influence and political funding in India.
