Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently criticized a now-canceled $21 million USAID fund that was reportedly intended to support voter turnout in India. Calling it a “kickback scheme,” Trump questioned the purpose of such foreign aid, suggesting that the money would not be used as intended and instead might be misappropriated. His remarks have triggered a political storm, with India’s ruling and opposition parties clashing over the implications.
Trump’s Statement on USAID Fund
During a speech at the Republican Governors Association meeting, Trump expressed his disapproval of foreign aid spending, particularly questioning why U.S. funds should be allocated to increase voter turnout in India. He stated:
“Why are we caring about India turnout? We got enough problems. We want our own turnout.”
He further alleged that such funds often do not serve their official purpose, saying:
“It’s a kickback scheme. It’s not like they spend it. They kick it back to the people that I would say in many cases.”
These remarks have led to strong reactions both in the U.S. and in India, with critics questioning the true intent behind such funding and whether it was ever meant for India in the first place.
BJP vs. Congress: A New Political Battle in India
Trump’s comments have reignited political tensions in India. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has used this statement to target the opposition, particularly the Congress party, alleging that foreign funds might be influencing Indian elections.
A senior BJP leader claimed that this issue raises serious concerns about foreign interference in India’s democratic process. The party’s IT cell head stated:
“Essentially, this money is also used to sustain deep-state assets who work to defend and deflect such revelations.”
The BJP has demanded answers from the opposition regarding any potential involvement in receiving foreign funding linked to electoral activities.
On the other hand, the Congress party has dismissed these allegations as a “manufactured controversy” aimed at diverting attention from the BJP’s governance failures. Congress spokespersons argued that investigative reports have clarified that the $21 million USAID fund was actually allocated for Bangladesh, not India. They also challenged the government to provide transparency on foreign funds entering the country.
Diplomatic and Policy Implications
The controversy has not only fueled domestic political debates but has also raised concerns about foreign aid policies and their impact on international relations. The Indian government has indicated that it is looking into USAID activities and their implications on national sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Trump’s comments reflect a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy, where skepticism toward international aid spending has grown. Some analysts believe that the USAID fund cuts and reevaluations could reshape America’s role in global development programs.
Trump’s remarks on the USAID funding have sparked a new round of political debates in India, with the BJP and Congress trading accusations over foreign influence in domestic affairs. While the controversy unfolds, it raises larger questions about the transparency of international aid programs and their real impact on the countries they are meant to support.
With the political landscape heating up, the issue is expected to remain a key talking point in the coming weeks, influencing both domestic and diplomatic narratives.