Former US President Donald Trump has spoken out against the distribution of $21 million in funding to India, deploring that the US is giving money to a nation that has enormous economic resources. Trump defended his decision to abort funds intended for ‘voter turnout’ projects in India, saying that US taxpayer funds must be used first for American domestic concerns.
“They have a lot more money than we do,” Trump said, pointing to India’s rising economy and its position as a global economic giant. His comments come at a time of growing criticism over U.S. foreign aid expenditures, with some questioning the need to fund such programs in countries with robust financial resources.
The money in question was said to be directed towards encouraging voter turnout in India, but Trump rejected the necessity of such aid, reiterating that India’s democratic systems should be left to govern themselves. His position is in line with his overall “America First” policy, which promotes minimizing global financial obligations and prioritizing American interests.
Trump’s remarks have created divided opinions, with some backing his position on slashing foreign aid, while others feel that strategic investment in world democracies bolsters diplomatic relationships. The Biden administration has not issued a formal reaction yet, but this argument will continue to spark more debates about the future of U.S. foreign assistance policies.