'They have...more money': Trump questions $21 million fund for India
What's the story
The United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, rescinded a $21 million grant previously given to increase voter participation in India this week.
The move is part of a broader plan to cut what are considered unnecessary taxpayer-funded programs.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended the decision, asking why US taxpayer money was being used for foreign electoral processes.
Funding debate
Trump questions need for US funding in India's elections
"Why are we giving $21 million to India? They have a lot more money," Trump said, highlighting India's high tariffs and questioning the need for such funding.
"We can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high. I have a lot of respect for India and their Prime Minister, but giving USD 21 million for voter turnout?" Trump said.
BJP
BJP calls funding 'external interference' in India's electoral process
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India has slammed the now-canceled funding as "external interference" in its electoral process.
BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya claimed this initiative was systematic infiltration by foreign entities, specifically billionaire George Soros and his Open Society Foundations.
"Once again, it is George Soros, a known associate of the Congress party and the Gandhis, whose shadow looms over our electoral process," Malviya claimed.
Wider cuts
DOGE cancels additional international funding projects
Apart from the India grant, DOGE has also pulled back other international funding projects. These include a $29 million allocation for Bangladesh's political landscape and $39 million for fiscal federalism and biodiversity conservation in Nepal.
The cancelations were part of efforts to improve government efficiency and ensure taxpayer dollars weren't spent on questionable overseas activities.
Denial issued
US denies involvement in Bangladesh's political changes
The announcement of Bangladesh's funding came amid allegations of US involvement in the recent political changes there.
Former US official Mike Benz had accused USAID and other agencies of destabilizing the country. He suggested that the United States may have supported the 2024 rebellion against Sheikh Hasina's administration in order to obtain a military base in Bangladesh.
President Trump denied any deep state involvement in Bangladesh's political developments, saying it was an issue for Prime Minister Modi to handle.