Musk-led DOGE Cancels $21 Million Grant for Voter Turnout Initiative in India

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, announced on Saturday the cancellation of a $21 million grant intended to boost voter turnout in India. This decision is part of a broader move to slash international aid across several countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Mozambique, as part of efforts to cut government spending.

In a social media post on platform X, DOGE revealed a list of canceled U.S. taxpayer-funded initiatives. “US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been cancelled,” the statement read, with a specific mention of the $21 million allocated for “voter turnout in India.”

This move marks a significant step under the new administration of President Donald Trump, which has prioritized budget cuts to reduce federal expenditures. Musk, who heads DOGE, has consistently argued that “America would go bankrupt” without significant cuts to government spending. As a result, the $21 million grant, originally intended to encourage voter participation in India’s elections, will no longer be distributed.

The timing of the announcement comes just days after President Trump’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders discussed strengthening U.S.-India relations across various sectors. However, the cancellation of the voter turnout initiative was not mentioned in any official statements or press briefings following their discussions.

Amit Malviya, the BJP’s social media head, expressed his concerns on X, questioning the motivations behind the funding. “USD 21M for voter turnout? This definitely is external interference in India’s electoral process. Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!” Malviya wrote.

Other Cancellations by DOGE

In addition to the cuts in India, DOGE has canceled several other significant programs, including:

• $29 million for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh”

• $39 million for “fiscal federalism” and “biodiversity conservation” in Nepal

• $10 million for “Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision”

• $1.5 million for “voter confidence” in Liberia

• $14 million for “social cohesion” in Mali

• $2.5 million for “inclusive democracies in Southern Africa”

• $47 million for “improving learning outcomes in Asia”

These funding reductions are part of DOGE’s broader effort to overhaul government spending. Musk and his department have focused on identifying areas where budgets can be trimmed to reduce financial outlays.

Musk-Modi Meeting

The cancellation of the voter turnout grant follows a recent meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Elon Musk, where the two discussed deepening U.S.-India collaboration in sectors such as innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during the meeting, both leaders spoke about opportunities to expand cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and governance. Musk was accompanied by his three children at the meeting, which highlighted the growing ties between India and U.S. businesses.

The cancellation of the $21 million grant for India’s voter turnout initiative has raised questions about the future of U.S. aid to the country, as well as the broader impact of budget cuts on international programs. While the Indian government has not yet issued an official response, the move is likely to spark debate over the role of foreign aid in domestic elections and political processes.