Trump Calls USAID Funds to India ‘Kickback Scheme’, BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi, February 21, 2025: Former US President Donald Trump reignited controversy over the USAID’s $21 million funding to India, calling it a "kickback scheme," while alleging that the funds were aimed at influencing voter turnout ahead of India’s 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His comments have sparked a political storm, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) quickly linking his remarks to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s previous statements on foreign intervention.

In his latest remarks during a Republican Governors' conference, Trump questioned why the US was allocating $21 million for voter turnout in India, suggesting that the funding was part of a "kickback scheme." He added, “We got enough problems… why are we caring about India’s turnout?” While Trump did not provide any evidence or details regarding the alleged beneficiaries, his statement comes just a day after he raised concerns over the $21 million grant and hinted at its potential use in influencing the upcoming Indian elections.

“USD 21 million for voter turnout in India. Why do we need to spend USD 21 million for voter turnout in India? I guess they (the Biden administration) were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian government... This is a total breakthrough,” Trump had said previously, suggesting that the funds might have been directed to meddle in India’s democratic process.

BJP Reacts with Allegations Against Rahul Gandhi

The BJP swiftly seized upon Trump’s comments, accusing Congress MP Rahul Gandhi of seeking foreign intervention in India’s internal affairs. BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan referred to remarks made by Gandhi in London in 2023, suggesting that he had called for foreign powers to intervene in India’s elections. Kesavan alleged that Trump’s statement was “a smoking gun” that revealed an attempt to influence the outcome of India’s elections.

"Trump’s statement exposes the dangerous role of a foreign hand interfering in India’s electoral process. It should be looked at closely alongside Rahul Gandhi's call for foreign intervention in the run-up to the 2024 elections," Kesavan said, speaking to India Today.

Amit Malviya’s ‘Deep-State’ Allegations

BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya also weighed in on the controversy, alleging that the USAID funds were being used to sustain “deep-state assets” in India. In a tweet, Malviya suggested that the money could have been funneled into sustaining networks that defend and deflect such revelations. “He [Trump] is not confusing it with the $29 million sent to Bangladesh. This time, he 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,” Malviya wrote.

Political Backlash and Ongoing Dispute

Trump’s latest allegations, which echo his earlier comments questioning the motivations behind the USAID funding, have intensified the ongoing political dispute over foreign influence in India’s elections. As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections draw closer, both the BJP and Congress are poised to continue the war of words over foreign intervention, further stoking tensions in India’s political landscape.

The Congress party has yet to respond to Trump’s latest comments, but Rahul Gandhi has previously faced criticism for his remarks made during a 2023 event in London, which some interpreted as seeking external help in challenging the government in India. The situation remains fluid, with both sides using the USAID funding issue to level accusations against one another as the election season heats up.