February 21, 2025: U.S. President Donald Trump has once again raised concerns over the USAID funding to India for "voter turnout," calling it a "kickback scheme" without providing any evidence or specifying who allegedly benefitted. His remarks have sparked a political debate in India, with the BJP using them to attack Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.
Speaking at a Republican Governors' conference, Trump questioned the logic behind spending $21 million on voter turnout in India, asserting, "Why are we caring about India turnout? We got enough problems... it's a kickback scheme, you know."
Trump’s remarks follow his earlier claims that the Biden administration’s funding may have been an attempt to influence the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. "I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected," he said, hinting at possible interference.
The BJP was quick to seize on Trump's comments, reviving its accusations against Rahul Gandhi for allegedly seeking foreign intervention in India's elections. BJP leaders cited Gandhi’s 2023 speech in London, where he had raised concerns about democracy in India, to claim that the Congress leader had encouraged international involvement.
Meanwhile, the White House has not responded to Trump’s latest allegations, and there is no official confirmation regarding any misuse of USAID funds. Experts argue that such foreign aid programs are often aimed at supporting democratic institutions and voter participation initiatives globally.
With India’s general elections behind and the U.S. presidential race in full swing, Trump’s remarks could add fuel to the ongoing political battles in both nations.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Trump Alleges USAID Funds to India Were a 'Kickback Scheme'; BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi
February 21, 2025: U.S. President Donald Trump has once again raised concerns over the USAID funding to India for "voter turnout," calling it a "kickback scheme" without providing any evidence or specifying who allegedly benefitted. His remarks have sparked a political debate in India, with the BJP using them to attack Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.
Speaking at a Republican Governors' conference, Trump questioned the logic behind spending $21 million on voter turnout in India, asserting, "Why are we caring about India turnout? We got enough problems... it's a kickback scheme, you know."
Trump’s remarks follow his earlier claims that the Biden administration’s funding may have been an attempt to influence the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. "I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected," he said, hinting at possible interference.
The BJP was quick to seize on Trump's comments, reviving its accusations against Rahul Gandhi for allegedly seeking foreign intervention in India's elections. BJP leaders cited Gandhi’s 2023 speech in London, where he had raised concerns about democracy in India, to claim that the Congress leader had encouraged international involvement.
Meanwhile, the White House has not responded to Trump’s latest allegations, and there is no official confirmation regarding any misuse of USAID funds. Experts argue that such foreign aid programs are often aimed at supporting democratic institutions and voter participation initiatives globally.
With India’s general elections behind and the U.S. presidential race in full swing, Trump’s remarks could add fuel to the ongoing political battles in both nations.