Trump questions alleged USAID funding to India again
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has once again questioned the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) decision to give $18 million in funding to help with India's elections.
Trump was speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
"They take advantage of us pretty good. One of the highest tariffed nations in the world...They have a 200 percent tariff. And then we're giving them a lot of money to help them with their election," he said.
Funding allegations
Trump alleges misuse of USAID funds in India
Trump further alleged that USAID allocated an additional $21 million to increase voter turnout in India.
He asked why similar efforts aren't made domestically, saying, "We're giving 21 million for voter turnout in India. What about us? I want voter turnout too."
His remarks have triggered a political debate over foreign aid and its impact on international relations, amid wider discussions on transparency and accountability in foreign assistance programs.
Official response
Indian government responds to Trump's allegations
Reacting to Trump's allegations, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had expressed concern over the claims of USAID funding misuse.
Jaishankar had said that the Indian government is investigating these allegations and emphasized that USAID was allowed in India under "good faith."
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had also described Trump's allegations as "deeply troubling" and highlighted concerns about potential foreign interference in India's internal affairs.
Wider scrutiny
Trump's scrutiny extends to USAID funding globally
Trump's focus on USAID funding isn't limited to India. He also criticized a $29 million allocation to a firm in Bangladesh to strengthen the political landscape there.
Calling it a "kickback scheme," he pointed out the lack of transparency in its implementation.
These allegations have further fueled the ongoing debates on foreign aid, transparency, and accountability in international relations.