Amid ongoing controversy over the Trump administration’s decision to cancel $21 million in funding for “voter turnout” in India, Fox News has weighed in, highlighting the US’s double standards when it comes to defining “election interference.”
Fox News host and political commentator Jesse Watters pointed out that foreign interference in US elections would provoke widespread outrage, but when the US engages in similar actions abroad, it is framed as “strengthening the political landscape.”
In a pointed remark aimed at former President Joe Biden, Watters asked, “Imagine if the Indian government spent $21 million on voter turnout in America and Trump won. When they do it, it’s election interference, but when we do it, it’s ‘strengthening the political landscape.'”
Watters also referenced US international aid programs, including $29 million allocated to Bangladesh for “strengthening the political landscape.”
Similar programs for Nepal and Mozambique were also canceled by the Trump administration following recommendations from Elon Musk’s Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with reducing wasteful government spending.
BJP accuses USAID of meddling in India’s elections
The move has sparked backlash in India, with the ruling BJP accusing the US Agency for International Development (USAID) of attempting “external interference” in the country’s elections.
Trump defended the decision, questioning the need for the $21 million. “Why are we giving $21 million dollars to India? India has a lot of money. They’re one of the highest-taxing countries in the world. It’s hard for us to get in there because their tariffs are so high,” Trump said.
“I have a lot of respect for India, I have a lot of respect for the Prime Minister. But we’re giving 21 million dollars for voter turnout in India. What about voter turnout here?” he further said.