Washington, U.S.: Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that the U.S. government sent $21 million to support voter turnout in India has ignited political controversy. Trump, citing a post on Elon Musk’s social media platform X, alleged that the funds—disbursed by USAID—were meant to influence India’s elections. However, reports revealed that no such funds were ever allocated to India; the $21 million grant was actually for a political engagement initiative in Bangladesh.
Despite this, Trump repeatedly referenced the claim, calling it a “kickback scheme” and questioning U.S. foreign aid policies. BJP leaders seized on his remarks, with party IT cell head Amit Malviya calling it proof of foreign interference. Indian Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar expressed concerns over alleged attempts to manipulate the country’s elections.
India’s opposition Congress party dismissed Trump’s claim as misinformation, accusing the BJP of spreading “fake news from America.” Critics also fear that these allegations could lead to further crackdowns on civil society organizations in India.
