DOGE Cancellations: $21 Million Program for Voter Turnout in India Terminated
The DOGE, led by Elon Musk, has canceled over $750 million in international aid, including $21 million intended to enhance voter turnout in India. The BJP has criticized this funding as foreign interference. The move supports the Trump administration’s strategy to reduce government expenses, with significant cuts across various programs in different countries.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under Elon Musk’s leadership, has canceled over $750 million in international aid, including a notable $21 million program designated to enhance voter turnout in India. This move is met with criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which interprets the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding as an instance of “external interference” in India’s electoral system.
DOGE’s announcement, shared via Musk’s social media platform X, aligns with the Trump administration’s strategy to reduce government spending. According to the DOGE statement, “US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been cancelled,” specifically noting the $21 million allocation for India.
This cancellation occurred shortly after President Trump engaged with Prime Minister Modi to discuss bilateral relations. When pressed about the potential influence of USAID on U.S. and Indian elections, Trump remarked, “It (USAID) could have had a role in Indian elections. Bad things happened in 2020 and in 2024.” He further indicated concerns regarding attempts to manipulate election outcomes.
Amit Malviya of the BJP’s social media team questioned the rationale behind such foreign assistance, stating, “USD 21M for voter turnout? This definitely is external interference in India’s electoral process.” Additionally, MP Nishikant Dubey called for a government inquiry into USAID-funded organizations in India, alleging affiliations with unrest and opposition factions.
USAID is an agency dedicated to providing foreign aid to foster development, humanitarian assistance, and economic growth predominantly in developing countries. Both Trump and Musk have voiced skepticism about international aid expenses, arguing that these funds should be redirected towards domestic priorities. Nevertheless, Trump has previously considered foreign aid cuts as leverage against non-compliant nations.
Musk’s DOGE initiative has also halted $29 million aimed at stabilizing Bangladesh’s political environment amid significant unrest. Other considerable funding cuts include $10 million for medical male circumcision in Mozambique and $47 million for educational improvements in Asia.
Musk’s warnings about potential U.S. bankruptcy due to excessive spending underscore the fiscal reforms championed by DOGE, which has identified significant savings up to tens of billions of dollars. This initiative represents a crucial aspect of the current administration’s budgetary policy overhaul.
The DOGE’s recent action reflects a significant shift in U.S. international aid policy, especially in relation to funding initiatives in India and Bangladesh. By canceling programs perceived as foreign interference in domestic politics, the Trump administration aims to realign its fiscal strategies. The focus on cutting international funding demonstrates a prioritization of U.S. taxpayer money for domestic issues, impacting various humanitarian and developmental projects worldwide.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
