Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again voiced his criticism of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), alleging that the Biden administration allocated $18 million to India to assist with its elections. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Saturday, Trump questioned the necessity of such financial assistance, arguing that India, as a major global economy, does not require U.S. funds for its electoral process.
Trump’s remarks are part of a broader critique of foreign aid spending, particularly through USAID, which he claims is being misused to benefit other nations at the expense of American taxpayers. In his speech, he also accused India of imposing high tariffs on U.S. goods while simultaneously receiving aid, stating, “They take advantage of us pretty good. One of the highest tariff nations in the world… We have a 200 per cent [tariff] there and then we’re giving them a lot of money to help them with their election.”
The former president further expanded his criticism to include Bangladesh, alleging that USAID allocated $29 million to “strengthen the political landscape” there, implying that the funds were being used to support leftist political movements. His remarks come as part of his broader political narrative of scrutinizing international aid programs and calling for a reallocation of such resources to domestic priorities.
The controversy surrounding USAID funding to India has already sparked political reactions. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the matter, acknowledging concerns and stating that the Indian government is examining the claims. He emphasized that USAID operates in India under mutual agreements and in good faith, and that any suggestion of “bad faith activities” would be taken seriously. “If there is something to it, I think the country should know who are the people involved in the bad faith activities,” he remarked during an event in New Delhi.
India’s opposition parties have also weighed in on the issue, with the Congress party urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address Trump’s allegations directly and clarify India’s stance. The party called for a strong rebuttal to ensure that India’s electoral processes remain free from unnecessary foreign scrutiny.
Trump’s comments are not new; he has repeatedly raised concerns about USAID’s spending under the Biden administration. Earlier in the week, at a Republican Governors Association meeting, he characterized the funding as a “kickback” scheme, reinforcing his stance that American taxpayer dollars should not be used to finance elections in other countries. His Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, previously reported that USAID had contributed $21 million to India’s Election Commission to boost voter turnout—a claim that led to a swift backlash and calls for transparency.
With the upcoming U.S. elections, Trump continues to focus on foreign policy and fiscal responsibility as key campaign issues, positioning himself as an advocate for reducing what he sees as wasteful international spending. Meanwhile, the debate over USAID’s role in supporting global democracy remains contentious, with supporters arguing that such aid strengthens democratic institutions worldwide and critics contending that it diverts essential resources away from domestic needs.
As the conversation unfolds, both in India and the U.S., clarity on the specifics of these funds and their intended purpose will be crucial. Whether this issue gains further traction in the political arena or fades amid other pressing concerns remains to be seen.
