Calls Out India’s High Tariffs, Questions US Financial Aid for Elections
Washington DC [US], February 23: US President Donald Trump criticized the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for allocating $18 million to assist India with its elections, calling it unnecessary and questioning why the US should be funding such initiatives abroad.
Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Saturday, Trump proposed that the US should return to paper ballots and even suggested that India should assist America in its election process.
“Why the hell are we giving $18 million for helping India with its elections?” Trump questioned. “Why don’t we just go to old paper ballots and let them help us with our elections, right? Voter ID. Wouldn’t that be nice?”
Trump Criticizes India’s Trade Policies
Trump further alleged that India imposes high tariffs on American goods, making trade difficult for the US while still receiving financial aid.
“They take advantage of us pretty good. One of the highest tariffed nations in the world. We try and sell something, and they have a 200% tariff. And then we’re giving them a lot of money to help them with their election,” he added.
Jaishankar Responds: India to Investigate USAID Funding
Reacting to Trump’s comments, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar acknowledged concerns over reports that USAID had allocated $21 million for “voter turnout” in India.
“Some information has been put out there by the Trump administration people, and obviously, that is concerning… As a government, we are looking into it,” Jaishankar said.
He added that USAID was allowed to operate in India in good faith, but if there were any unauthorized activities, the country should be aware of who was involved.
Elon Musk Weighs In on US Elections
Before the upcoming US presidential elections, Elon Musk also criticized electronic voting systems, claiming they rig elections. Speaking at a town hall in Pennsylvania, Musk questioned the role of Dominion voting machines in Republican losses in Philadelphia and Arizona.
“Doesn’t that seem like a heck of a coincidence?” Musk asked, calling for paper ballots and hand-counting votes across the country.
Controversy Over US Election Funding Abroad
Trump’s remarks have sparked debate over why US taxpayer money is allocated for foreign elections and whether financial aid for voter turnout programs in India is justified.
With India’s 2024 general elections approaching and the 2025 US elections on the horizon, concerns over electoral integrity and foreign influence remain a key issue in both nations.
Tags:
Trump on India, USAID funding, US elections, India voter turnout, trade tariffs, paper ballots, Elon Musk election comments, Jaishankar USAID response, Dominion voting machines, political funding debate