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US Congressman says $21mn USAID for voter turnout in India never existed, refutes Trump's claim
US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House in Washington, on, February 13. Reuters
Senior US Congressman Gregory Meeks on Saturday dismissed President Donald Trump's claim that the American government had provided $21 million through USAID to boost voter turnout in India, saying that it 'never existed.'
'The President claimed there was a wasteful $21 million grant to India. That grant never existed,' said Meeks, a Democrat and the top-ranking opposition member on the influential House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Earlier this year, Trump repeatedly alleged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $21 million to support voter turnout in India. 'We're giving $21 million for voter turnout in India… What about us? I want voter turnout too,' Trump said, implying the funds were meant to influence India's elections.
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The claim triggered a political storm in India, prompting a response from the Ministry of External Affairs. 'We have seen media reports regarding the alleged allocation of US funds for election-related activities in India. This is deeply troubling, and all relevant government agencies are examining the matter. India takes its sovereignty and electoral integrity very seriously,' said ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also voiced concern, saying, 'It's worrisome. If there's something to it, the country should know. India's elections are for Indians—we have zero tolerance for any foreign interference.'
However, even at the time, there was no clear evidence that such a grant had been given to any Indian organisation. US media later reported that the $21 million was actually designated for Bangladesh, which was also preparing for national elections—not for India.
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