'Trying to get somebody else elected': Trump on Biden admin's decision to allocate $21 million to India for 'voter turnout'

President Trump questions $21M aid to India for voter turnout, suggesting Biden administration's ulterior motives at FII Summit.

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again questioned the Biden administration's decision to allocate $21 million to India for “voter turnout”, guessing that they were trying to "get somebody else elected".

Mr. Trump made these remarks while addressing the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami on Thursday (February 20, 2025). He had raised similar concerns earlier, questioning the necessity of such financial aid.

On Wednesday (February 19, 2025), he questioned the purpose of providing $21 million to India for “voter turnout” as he reiterated that the U.S. "can hardly get in there" because of high Indian tariffs.

His remarks came after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk disclosed that USAID contributed $21 million to the Election Commission to boost voter turnout in India.

At the FII summit, Mr. Trump cited some examples to the audience about where their money was going before he became president. "These are random examples," he said.

"...And $21 million for voter turnout in India. Why do we need to spend $21 million for voter turnout in India? Wow, I guess they (the Biden administration) were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian Government," he said.

"Because, when we hear that, Russia spent about $2 in our country, it was a big deal...This is a total breakthrough, $21 million for Indian elections, and USD 29 million to strengthen the political landscape in Bangladesh... Asia is doing well, we don't need to give them money," he said.