During his closing speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Saturday, US President Donald Trump criticized the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for allocating $18 million to support India’s election process. Trump questioned the necessity of the funding and suggested that India could assist the US with its own elections instead.
“Why the hell? Why don’t we just go to old paper ballots and let them help us with their elections, right? Voter ID. Wouldn’t that be nice?” Trump remarked, adding that India does not need financial assistance for conducting elections.
Trump Accuses India of Unfair Trade Practices
Beyond election funding, Trump also took aim at India’s trade policies, alleging that the country imposes high tariffs on US goods.
“They take advantage of us pretty good. One of the highest tariffed nations in the world. We try and sell something. They have a 200 percent tariff. And then we’re giving them a lot of money to help them with their election,” he said.
Jaishankar Expresses Concern Over USAID Funding
The remarks come amid concerns raised by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who addressed reports that USAID allocated $21 million to voter turnout efforts in India.
“Some information has been put out there by the Trump administration people, and obviously, that is concerning… USAID was allowed here in good faith to do good faith activities. Now, suggestions are being laid out from America that there are activities which are in bad faith. It’s worrisome, and if there’s something to it, then the country should know who the people involved are,” Jaishankar said.
Elon Musk Calls for Paper Ballots, Criticizes Voting Machines
Meanwhile, ahead of the US elections, Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), renewed claims that voting machines rig elections. Speaking at a town hall in Pennsylvania on October 20, Musk alleged that Dominion voting machines contributed to Republican losses in Philadelphia and Arizona.
“There’s always a sort of question of like, say, the Dominion voting machines. It is weird that you know, I think they’re used in Philadelphia and Maricopa County, but not in a lot of other places,” Musk said, calling for paper ballots and hand-counted votes nationwide.
Political and Diplomatic Fallout
Trump’s comments on India’s election funding and trade policies could add new tensions to US-India relations, particularly as the Indian government scrutinizes the allegations surrounding USAID’s involvement. With both the US and India approaching major elections, the controversy over foreign influence, election integrity, and trade disputes is expected to remain a hot-button issue in the coming months.
(With ANI inputs)
