If India spent $21 million on US poll turnout...: Fox News flags double standards

Amid a raging debate over the Trump administration's decision to cancel $21 million for "voter turnout" in India, Fox News has weighed in on the issue and flagged the US's double standards over its definition of "election interference".

Fox News host and popular American political commentator Jesse Watters argued that if a foreign government meddled in US elections, it would spark widespread outrage, but if America engaged in similar activities abroad, it is framed as "strengthening the political landscape".

In a subtle dig at former President Joe Biden, under whose tenure the funding was made, Watters said, "Imagine if the Indian government spent $21 million on voter turnout in America and Trump won. When they do it, it's election interference, when we do it, it's 'strengthening the political landscape'."

The Fox News host also raised US international aid initiatives to other countries such as Bangladesh, where $29 million was being sent for "strengthening the political landscape".

Similar initiatives for Nepal and Mozambique have also been cancelled by the Trump administration following a recommendation by Elon Musk's Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been tasked with slashing wasteful government expenditure.

The issue has raised a storm in India, with the ruling BJP claiming that the funding by the USAID (United States Agency for Development) was proof of "external interference" in polls.

The Trump administration's decision came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with the US President. Trump also defended the move, questioning its necessity.

"Why are we giving $21 million dollars to India? India has a lot of money. They're one of the highest-taxing countries in the world. It's hard for us to get in there because their tariffs are so high," Trump said.

"I have a lot of respect for India, I have a lot of respect for the Prime Minister. But we're giving 21 million dollars for voter turnout in India. What about voter turnout here?" he further said.