US cancels millions in foreign aid, impacting India, Bangladesh, and other nations

Budget cuts target voter turnout and political stability programs

The United States (US) has canceled millions of dollars in funding for various international aid programs, including initiatives in India and Bangladesh, as part of budget cuts introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, announced the decision on Sunday, emphasizing the administration’s push to curtail spending on international development projects.

Funding cuts for India and Bangladesh

The $21 million program for India aimed to boost voter participation in the country’s elections has been terminated. DOGE announced the decision on social media platform X.

Similarly, a $29 million initiative intended to strengthen Bangladesh’s political stability and democratic governance has been slashed. Bangladesh is currently facing political turmoil, with the Sheikh Hasina-led government ousted by the military amid violent protests. Hasina has fled to India, and an interim government led by Mohammad Yunus has taken over, but stability remains elusive.

The decision to withdraw funding from these programs comes just days after Donald Trump met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, this move was not mentioned in their joint statements or press conferences, signaling a shift in US foreign aid priorities despite ongoing diplomatic ties.

Other countries affected by US aid cuts

The funding cuts extend beyond India and Bangladesh, impacting numerous international programs across different regions. The following projects have been defunded:

• $10 million for “Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision”
• $9.7 million for UC Berkeley to develop “a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise-driven skills”
• $2.3 million for “strengthening independent voices in Cambodia“
• $32 million to the Prague Civil Society Centre
• $40 million for “gender equality and women empowerment hub”
• $14 million for “improving public procurement” in Serbia
• $486 million to the “Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening,” including $22 million for “inclusive and participatory political process” in Moldova
• $20 million for “fiscal federalism” in Nepal
• $19 million for “biodiversity conservation” in Nepal
• $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“
• $2 million to develop “sustainable recycling models” to “increase socio-economic cohesion among marginalized communities of Kosovo Roma, Ashkali, and Egypt“

US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all which have been cancelled:
– $10M for “Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision”
– $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop “a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills”
– $2.3M for “strengthening…

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) February 15, 2025

Trump praises Elon Musk’s cost-cutting initiative

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was established by Trump’s administration during his second term to reduce federal spending and deregulation. The agency’s goal is to modernize federal technology and streamline government operations for improved efficiency.

President Donald Trump recently praised DOGE’s efforts, claiming the initiative had already identified tens of billions of dollars in government savings. Speaking to reporters on February 11, Trump stated:

“We’re talking about tens of billions of dollars that we’ve already found… But you’re talking about maybe $500 billion. It’s crazy the numbers you’re talking about.”

The decision to eliminate these foreign aid programs reflects Trump’s broader commitment to reducing international spending and focusing on domestic priorities. While the cuts have sparked debate, the administration maintains that they are necessary to prevent America from going bankrupt, a sentiment echoed frequently by Elon Musk.

The funding reductions are expected to have wide-ranging implications, particularly in nations relying on US support for political stability, democratic development, and humanitarian programs.

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