Donald Trump calls $21 million USAID fund to India ‘kickback scheme’

Trump, on Thursday (local time), again questioned the US government's allocation of $21 million for voter turnout in India, calling it a 'kickback scheme'.

He also spoke about the funding of $21 million for strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh and $19 million for biodiversity in Nepal.

While sharing Trump's video on X, Malviya stated, 'A day after US President Donald Trump spoke about $21 million being sent to India for voter turnout, he has reiterated the charge. And no, he is not confusing it with the $29 million funneled into Bangladesh. This time, he has also mentioned kickbacks. Essentially, this money is also used to sustain deep-state assets who work to defend and deflect such revelations. We are now witnessing the same pattern unfold in India.'

BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also raised the issue, and called for a probe to find if Rahul Gandhi and Congress party were the 'beneficiaries' of the alleged kickbacks.

This comes after US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) posted a list of cancelled US taxpayer-funded initiatives with a mention of $21 million earmarked for 'voter turnout in India'.

The DOGE-headed by Elon Musk, announced cancelling a $22 million funding intended for 'voter turnout in India' on February 16.