US President Donald Trump has reignited the controversy over the disbursement of $21 million in funds designated for improving voter turnout in India, labeling it a "kickback scheme." During his address at the Republican Governors Association (RGA) meeting, Trump expressed skepticism about the allocation, highlighting a lack of transparency and accountability in these transactions.

Trump Questions International Fund Allocations

President Trump not only raised concerns about funds sent to India but also mentioned other financial distributions, including $21 million earmarked to strengthen Bangladesh's political landscape and $19 million for enhancing Nepal's biodiversity. He questioned, "Why are we caring about India turnout? We got enough problems. We want our own turnout, don’t we?"

Trump asserted that these funds could be used as kickbacks, speculating, "You know, it’s not like they get it and they spend, they kick it back to the people that send it. I would say in many cases, anytime you have no idea what we’re talking about, that means there’s a kickback because nobody has any idea what’s going on there."

Reactions from Indian Political Entities

In response, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed that these finances are allegedly directed to maintain certain deep-state assets within India. BJP leader Amit Malviya suggested on social media that the funds were for sustaining entities that shield disclosures of such financial activities. Malviya stated, "We are now witnessing the same pattern unfold in India."

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari called for a thorough investigation to determine if any benefits politically, especially concerning Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party, were derived from these alleged kickbacks.

Former Funding Policies Under Scrutiny

This discussion comes in the wake of the US Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) announcement to dissolve various initiatives financed by US taxpayers, including the $21 million intended for India's voter turnout.

Trump has vocalized similar criticisms at another event, the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami, Florida, highlighting India’s economic prowess and high tariffs on US goods. He remarked, "They got a lot of money. They're one of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us. We can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high."

The concerns raised by President Trump continue to fuel debates on international fund allocations and their potential implications for both US economic interests and geopolitical relationships.