February 16, 2025: The United States has cancelled millions of dollars in funding for electoral and political programs in multiple countries, including India and Bangladesh, as part of the Trump administration’s budget reduction measures. On Sunday, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced that a $21 million initiative aimed at increasing voter turnout in India and a $29 million program to support political stability in Bangladesh had been scrapped.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), DOGE emphasized that US taxpayer money would no longer be allocated to these initiatives, aligning with a broader effort to reassess foreign aid priorities and curb spending on international development. The decision is consistent with Musk’s repeated warnings that America could face financial turmoil without significant budget cuts, and it underscores the administration’s focus on restructuring government expenditure.
The funding for India was intended to encourage voter participation in the country’s democratic process. However, with the program now cancelled, any US-backed efforts to boost electoral engagement will be halted. The announcement comes just days after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Despite the high-level discussions, the aid cuts were not mentioned in their joint statements or press briefing.
In Bangladesh, the $29 million program was designed to enhance democratic governance and promote political stability. The country has been embroiled in political unrest following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the military amid violent protests. With Hasina having fled to India and an interim government led by Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus now in place, the situation remains volatile. The withdrawal of US support adds to concerns over the fragile state of Bangladesh’s governance as the new administration struggles to restore order.
These budget cuts reflect the Trump administration’s broader initiative to curtail international spending and refocus priorities on domestic issues. With Musk at the helm of DOGE, there has been a significant shift in how US foreign aid is allocated, with numerous programs either under review or facing termination. While the move aligns with the administration’s cost-cutting agenda, it raises questions about the future of democratic development initiatives in key global regions.