US President Donald Trump on USAID 'interference' in Lok Sabha elections: 'Could have had a role'

US President Donald Trump on Thursday did not rule out the possibility of USAID (United States Agency For International Development) interfering in the Lok Sabha elections in India last year.

During a joint media briefing with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump was asked if USAID had a role in US presidential elections in 2020 and Indian Lok Sabha polls in 2024.

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"It (USAID) could have had a role in Indian elections. Bad things happened in 2020 and in 2024. But the 2024 US polls were too big to rig. But I think they probably tried. We are looking to go to a system where there is one day voting, voter ID and paper ballots ... when they do that we will clean it up really well ... bad things happen," Trump said.

Trump added that the 2024 election was a "great one" and gave him a chance to work with PM Modi, adding US and India will have a great relationship together.

The Trump administration has launched a crack down on USAID, issuing worldwide stop-work directives to halt lifesaving aid programs with limited exceptions for emergency food delivery.

Most of USAID's staff was put on leave last week, and employees stationed abroad have been recalled.

Earlier, during Parliament session, BJP member Nishikant Dubey demanded that the government probe organisations funded by USAID in India, alleging that most such outfits worked to create unrest in the country and had links with the Congress party.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour in Lok Sabha, Dubey claimed the USAID funded organisations carried out protests against the Agniveer initiative of the government, backed caste census, and supported naxalism in the country.

Several Congress members rose in protest against Dubey’s remarks and sought to raise a point of order in the Lok Sabha, but were disallowed by presiding officer Sandhya Ray who said such provisions do not apply to Zero Hour proceedings.

Dubey said US President Donald Trump has shut down USAID which spent money only to bring down governments all over the world.