Washington: US President Donald Trump has once again raised questions over the now-cancelled $21 million USAID fund for voter turnout in India, calling it a “kickback scheme.” Addressing US governors in a video shared by National Desk, Trump expressed frustration over the allocation of US taxpayer money to foreign election initiatives.
“USD 21 million going to my friend Prime Minister Modi in India for voter turnout. We are giving $21 million for voter turnout in India—what about us? I want voter turnout too, Governor… $29 million to strengthen the political landscape in Bangladesh went to a firm that nobody ever heard of,” Trump said.
This marks the third time Trump has attacked the fund, which was scrapped by his administration. On Friday, the Republican leader questioned why the US was involved in India’s electoral process, stating, “We have got enough problems. Anytime you have no idea what we’re talking about, that means there’s a kickback.”
Trump had previously hinted at alleged foreign interference in India’s elections, saying, “I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected. We have to tell the Indian government… because when Russia spent just $2,000 on internet ads here, it was a big deal. This is a total breakthrough.”
