Trump questions $21 million US funding for voter turnout in India, says ‘they have plenty of money’

US President Donald Trump has raised concerns over the $21 million allocated for voter turnout efforts in India, questioning the necessity of such funding.

Speaking at Mar-a-Lago while signing executive orders, Trump expressed doubts about the decision, stating, “Why are we giving $21 million to India? They have a lot more money.” He further noted that India imposes high tariffs, making it difficult for US businesses to enter the market.

News websites, The Hindu and Financial Express reported that the funding in question was among several initiatives cancelled by the Department of Government Expenditures (DOGE), led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.

On 16 February, DOGE released a list of revoked allocations, emphasising that US taxpayer dollars originally designated for these programs would no longer be spent.

Aside from the voter turnout initiative in India, several other international projects lost their funding.

These included $29 million for strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh, $10 million for voluntary medical circumcision programs in Mozambique, $9.7 million for a UC Berkeley project aimed at developing enterprise-driven skills among Cambodian youth, $22 million for promoting an inclusive political process in Moldova, and $20 million for fiscal federalism efforts in Nepal.

While acknowledging his respect for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump reiterated his scepticism about such financial assistance, particularly to a country with a strong economy and significant tax revenues.