The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk, has announced significant expenditure cuts, including the cancellation of $21 million earmarked for “voter turnout in India.” Elon Musk was appointed by President Donald Trump to head the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) last month. The DOGE, tasked with enhancing governance and reducing wasteful spending, revealed the cuts in a statement posted on X on Saturday (February 15, 2025).
The Department stated, “U.S. taxpayer funds were set to be utilized for various purposes, all of which have now been terminated…” The list of cancellations included $486 million in grants to the “Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening,” with $22 million designated for “inclusive and participatory political processes” in Moldova and $21 million for “voter turnout in India”. The post did not provide further details on the funding.
This announcement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the U.S., where he engaged in discussions with President Trump and Elon Musk. During the visit, Elon Musk, accompanied by his family, including three children, met with PM Modi. The discussions revolved around potential collaborations in space exploration, mobility, technology, energy, and shared efforts towards good governance in both India and the U.S.
In addition to the cancellation of funds for voter turnout in India, the DOGE also revoked $29 million allocated for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh,” $20 million for “fiscal federalism” in Nepal, and $19 million for “biodiversity conservation” in Nepal. Further cuts included the withdrawal of a $10 million grant for “Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision,” $2.3 million for “strengthening independent voices in Cambodia,” $32 million for the Prague Civil Society Centre, $40 million for a “gender equality and women empowerment hub,” and $14 million for “improving public procurement” in Serbia, among other reductions. The cuts also encompassed $47 million for “enhancing learning outcomes in Asia.”
Published – February 16, 2025 02:38 pm IST
