DOGE, under Elon Musk, canceled a $29 million funding for political strengthening in Bangladesh, along with similar initiatives in India and Nepal. This raises concerns about foreign influences on U.S. taxpayer money. Economic commentator Sanjeev Sanyal criticized USAID, linking it to alleged misuse of funds for foreign political agendas. The cancellations underscore a broader push for efficiency in government expenditures initiated by the Trump administration.
On February 16, 2025, the United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, announced the cancellation of a $29 million initiative aimed at strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh. This decision was made public via a tweet, revealing it was part of a larger allocation of funds that was intended for various foreign political activities but has now been scrapped.
Alongside the cancellation for Bangladesh, DOGE also omitted a $21 million expenditure aimed at improving voter turnout in India. This raises concerns regarding the implications of U.S. taxpayer money being used for foreign political influences, particularly concerning the role of the United States Agency For International Development (USAID).
In a broader context, DOGE shared a list detailing additional canceled allocations including $20 million for fiscal federalism in Nepal and $1.5 million for boosting voter confidence in Liberia. Among the projects dropped, they specified a $10 million initiative for Mozambique and a $9.7 million investment to enhance enterprise skills among Cambodian youth.
Prominent Indian economist, Sanjeev Sanyal, criticized the cancelled funding, highlighting the dubious nature of USAID expenditures. He questioned the beneficiaries of taxpayer-funded political initiatives, stating, “USAID is the biggest scam in human history,” further linking International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) to George Soros’s Open Society Foundation.
Under the Trump administration, DOGE was established with the goal of reducing inefficiencies within government operations, particularly within agencies like USAID. The previous administration proposed substantial cuts to USAID’s budget, contributing to workforce reductions and a freeze on hiring, which have continued to impact the agency’s functionality.
The cancellation of the $29 million funding by DOGE reflects a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding foreign expenditure on political systems. The move raises crucial questions about the transparency and accountability of taxpayer dollars in international political contexts. Additionally, notable public criticism indicates widespread concern about the influence of foreign aid in domestic political processes, especially following previous administration strategies to reduce such spending.
Original Source: bdnews24.com
