Trump’s ‘$21m for Voter Turnout’ Claim Triggers Political Row in India

US President Donald Trump’s remark that his country spent $21m to boost voter turnout in India’s elections has triggered a political slugfest in the country.

He made the remark days after a team led by Elon Musk said it had canceled the payout as part of its crackdown on a US agency providing foreign aid.

Political Accusations and Reactions

India’s governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called the payout an “external interference” and accused the opposition Congress party of seeking this intervention.

The Congress denied the allegation, calling Trump’s claims “nonsensical.” The US has not provided any evidence to support its claim.

On Friday, India’s foreign ministry said it found the claims “deeply troubling.”

USAID Crackdown and Funding Cuts

Trump vowed to boost the US economy and soon after returning to office, he created the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), led by Musk, to slash federal spending and jobs. Musk says Doge’s mission is to save taxpayer money and cut national debt.

One of its biggest moves is a crackdown on USAID, the US agency overseeing humanitarian aid since the 1960s. Musk, who has called USAID a “criminal organization,” announced that funding for several projects had been canceled, including the alleged $21m for voter turnout in India.

Unverified Funding Claims

Despite widespread reports, neither Doge nor Trump has provided evidence that USAID gave India $21m for voter turnout.

India’s poll panel has not responded, but former election chief SY Qureshi denied receiving such funding during his tenure.

On Friday, the Indian Express reported that the $21m was actually sanctioned for Bangladesh, not India, and was meant to run until July 2025.