‘Guess they were trying to get somebody else elected’: Trump on $21m fund for India

At the FII PRIORITY Summit, former US President Donald Trump raised concerns over the $21 million US allocation for voter turnout efforts in India, questioning the necessity of such spending given India’s strong economy and high tariffs on US goods. Trump also criticized US financial aid to Ukraine, accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of poor governance and misuse of funds.

Trump’s Concerns Over US Funding in India

During the summit, Trump expressed skepticism over the United States funding voter engagement in India. Emphasizing that India is a rapidly growing economy capable of managing its own electoral processes. He further highlight India’s high tariffs on American goods, arguing that US taxpayer money should not be use to support another country’s democratic exercises while trade barriers remain a concern.

Criticism of US Aid to Ukraine

Trump also strongly criticized US financial support to Ukraine, alleging that the billions of dollars sent to the country have not yielded any benefits for the US. He accuse President Zelenskyy of mismanaging funds, suggesting that the money was not being use effectively. This criticism aligns with Trump’s previous stance of reducing foreign aid and prioritizing domestic economic interests.

Key Takeaways from Trump’s Remarks

• Questioned the necessity of US funding for voter turnout in India, given its strong economy.
• Criticized India’s high tariffs on US goods, advocating for fairer trade policies.
• Accused Ukrainian President Zelenskyy of poor governance and fund mismanagement.
• Stated that US aid to Ukraine has provided no direct benefits to America.

Trump’s remarks have sparked discussions on US foreign aid policies, trade relations with India, and the future of US-Ukraine financial support, setting the stage for potential shifts in international policy debates.