Donald Trump has been in office as the President of the United States for just a month, yet he has stirred global politics significantly. From proposing to annex Canada and the Gulf of Mexico to the instigations in China and Panama over trade and tariffs, Trump's actions have caused quite a stir. But it seems India is his latest focus, with Trump mentioning India continuously over the past week. The question is, why?
February 16
marked a crucial date when Elon Musk’s DOGE revealed a list that ceased funding for 15 programs, with $21 million previously allocated to India being cancelled. On
February 19
, Trump publicized this decision questioning,
“Why are we giving India $21 million? They have plenty of money. India is among the highest tariff-imposing nations globally. While I respect India and their Prime Minister, $21 million remains unjustified.”
Trump's statements have sparked controversy, as he continued to question why the USA would allocate 21 million dollars for increasing voter turnout in India during a conference. Yet, Trump persisted with his discourse on India's financial dealings the following day,
February 20
, suggesting former President Biden's plan was to fund another's victory in India's elections with $21 million.
Source: aajtak
During the
FII Priority Summit
in Miami, Florida, Trump reiterated why investing $21 million to boost voting in India was necessary, suggesting the Biden administration might have had alternate motives. Conversations with the Indian government were deemed essential for clarity.
Trump explained that prior to his presidency, funds were allegedly disbursed recklessly under the guise of increasing voter turnout. He highlighted that USAID had allocated $21 million to India, while comparatively minor Russian internet ads were magnified during US elections.
The chain of statements did not cease as Trump, on
February 21
, criticized the continuation of US funding for India. Speaking at a Washington event, he questioned why $21 million was sent to India when unresolved issues existed domestically. Alleging corruption, he claimed no one truly monitored the fund's utilization.
On
February 22
, Trump announced plans to impose
Reciprocal Tariffs
on India, stating that his friend PM Modi received $21 million for voter turnout initiatives. Reciprocal tariffs would also be soon applied to India and China.
Curiously, on
February 23
, while addressing a Conservative Conference in Washington, Trump inaccurately mentioned $18.4 million instead of $21 million attributed to USAID for India's voter turnout, asserting India had no need for this funding as they profited from the tariffs imposed on American products.
He critiqued India for supposedly exploiting America, warning that the highest tariffs imposed internationally came from India even as the US funded voter turnout initiatives.
When Trump Declared BRICS is Dead...
Trump's critiques extend beyond India to BRICS, of which India is a member. Recently venting frustrations against BRICS, he suggested on Truth Social that BRICS was challenging the supremacy of the US dollar. Trump warned against attempts to launch new BRICS currencies or support others, threatening 100% tariffs if defied.
Trump clarified a firm stance that BRICS countries should comprehend they cannot replace the US dollar without incurring substantial tariffs.
Reports have hinted at BRICS potentially launching its own currency. However, Trump has now issued a direct warning to these nations.
