DOGE revoked multiple U.S.-funded political projects, citing concerns over foreign influence.
Washington, D.C. – 16 February 2025: The Biden administration is facing scrutiny over reports of a massive ₹182 crore ($21 million) funding plan allegedly aimed at influencing voter turnout in India. The funding, initially allocated through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), was recently canceled by Elon Musk-led DOGE after concerns were raised about election interference.
USAID’s Global Spending Under Scrutiny
USAID, long regarded as a stronghold of U.S. foreign policy initiatives, has reportedly allocated millions of dollars for various international projects, including election-related activities in several countries. The funding, which was initially intended for India, was part of a broader $486 million budget under the "Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening."
Apart from India, the financial allocations also included:
- $29M for Bangladesh to "strengthen the political landscape"
- $22M for Moldova for an "inclusive and participatory political process"
- $1.5M for voter confidence programs in Liberia
- $14M for public procurement improvements in Serbia
Following growing concerns, DOGE announced the cancellation of these projects, highlighting the misuse of U.S. taxpayer dollars.
Elon Musk-Led DOGE Cancels Controversial Funding
DOGE, which has been vocal about political transparency, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that it had revoked multiple U.S.-funded projects, including:
- $40M for a "Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Hub"
- $47M for improving learning outcomes in Asia
- $19M for biodiversity conservation in Nepal
- $2.5M for inclusive democracies in Southern Africa
The announcement has ignited debates over the extent of U.S. influence in foreign elections, especially in India, where upcoming elections are crucial for the country’s political landscape.
Geopolitical Reactions and Impact on India
The revelation has led to growing criticism from Indian political leaders and analysts, who question the intent behind such foreign funding in a sovereign nation’s electoral process. While the U.S. has often promoted democracy worldwide, critics argue that such financial interventions raise concerns about external influence.
The Indian government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the funding cancellation, but sources indicate that regulatory agencies are closely monitoring foreign funding patterns ahead of the elections.
As the debate unfolds, the incident underscores the broader issue of political funding transparency and the role of international organizations in shaping electoral outcomes worldwide.
