The Trump administration is rigorously implementing budget cuts. As part of this effort, the U.S. has suspended millions of dollars in aid to India. On Sunday, Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the decision to cut a $21 million program aimed at increasing voter turnout in India.
Remarkably, Trump established a new department solidifying efforts to slash government spending. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is systematically reducing costs across the American government. Tesla's Elon Musk heads this undertaking, earning his reputation for diligently reviewing U.S. expenditure globally and aligning decisions with governmental policy.
Under Musk’s guidance, DOGE announced on 'X' that all listed expenditures intended for American taxpayers were canceled.
This move is a fraction of a broader international aid reduction affecting crucial initiatives dedicated to improving electoral processes and political stability.
Elon Musk repeatedly stressed that without budget cuts, “America will go bankrupt,” demonstrating administrative alignment towards comprehensive budget reform.
India Faces Major Aid Cut
The U.S. previously committed $21 million to enhance voter participation in India's elections. This funding is now withdrawn.
Notably, this announcement followed closely after President Trump's meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking significant declarations to strengthen U.S.-India relations.
Strong Impacts on Bangladesh and Nepal
Elon Musk also halted aid to Bangladesh and Nepal. The U.S. earmarked $29 million to bolster political stability and democracy in Bangladesh, which is now discontinued.
Nepal received $20 million from the U.S. for financial federalism, now paused, alongside $19 million for biodiversity conservation efforts, now withdrawn.
BJP's Reaction
Amit Malviya from the BJP responded to the announcement, citing the $21 million intended for increasing voter participation in India as undue external interference in domestic electoral processes, questioning who truly benefits from such allocations.
Recently, Trump credited DOGE with uncovering savings worth billions in government expenditures. Speaking to reporters on February 11, Trump remarked, “We’re discussing substantial savings already discovered, potentially reaching $500 billion.”
Elon Musk’s Decisions Affect More Countries
The DOGE decision halts financial aid to several countries, including:
1. Mozambique - $10 million
2. Prague - $32 million
3. Cambodia - $2.3 million
4. Serbia - $14 million
5. Liberia - $1.5 million
6. South Africa - $2.5 million
7. Mali - $14 million
8. Southern Africa - $2.5 million
9. Asia - $47 million
