Trump Dismisses USAID “Kickback Scheme” as BJP Targets Congress Over Foreign Aid Misuse
Former U.S. President Donald Trump sparked headlines this week with a characteristically blunt remark, reportedly saying, “Kickback Scheme… What Do I Care?” in response to allegations of corruption within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The comment, allegedly made during a recent campaign-style rally, comes amid renewed scrutiny of the agency’s foreign aid programs. Meanwhile, across the globe, India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seized the moment to slam its rival, the Indian National Congress, accusing it of historical mismanagement of international funds, including those from USAID.
Trump’s USAID Jab
Trump’s offhand remark appears tied to a whistleblower report leaked earlier this month, claiming that millions in USAID funds intended for development projects in South Asia were siphoned off through a complex web of intermediaries. The report, yet to be independently verified, alleges that contractors and local officials in multiple countries pocketed “kickbacks” under lax oversight during the Biden administration. While Trump has not elaborated further, his quip aligns with his long-standing criticism of U.S. foreign spending, a recurring theme since his first term.
Political analysts suggest Trump’s dismissal reflects his 2025 strategy: distancing himself from Washington’s bureaucratic entanglements as he eyes another presidential run. “He’s signaling to his base that he’s above the mess—whether it’s true or not,” said Sarah Klein, a political commentator based in D.C. The White House has dismissed the allegations as “unsubstantiated,” with USAID pledging a full internal review.
BJP Pounces on Congress
Half a world away, the BJP wasted no time weaving the USAID controversy into its domestic narrative. At a press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday, BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya accused the Congress party of enabling corruption during its tenure, particularly when it led the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government from 2004 to 2014. “The Congress has a legacy of turning aid into personal profit,” Malviya claimed, pointing to unspecified past projects funded by USAID in India. “This is why India suffered under their rule.”
While Malviya offered no direct evidence linking Congress to the current USAID allegations, the party has long faced accusations of mismanaging foreign assistance. Historians note that USAID has supported India since the 1950s, funding agriculture, health, and infrastructure initiatives—some of which, under Congress-led governments, were criticized for inefficiencies. The BJP’s attack aligns with its strategy of painting Congress as corrupt and out of touch ahead of upcoming state elections.
A Global Echo?
The convergence of Trump’s comments and the BJP’s rhetoric has fueled speculation about a broader narrative. Social media platforms, especially X, are buzzing with theories tying the two. Posts from Indian users suggest the BJP might leverage Trump’s skepticism to push for tighter control over foreign NGOs, a policy it’s championed since 2014. Others see it as mere political opportunism, with one X user quipping, “Trump throws a stone, and BJP builds a castle out of it.”
Congress hit back, calling the BJP’s accusations “baseless and desperate.” Party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala argued that India’s current government, not Congress, should answer for any recent aid misuse. “The BJP has been in power for over a decade—where’s their accountability?” he said in a statement Thursday.
What’s Next?
In the U.S., USAID’s investigation could have ripple effects, especially if substantiated claims emerge before the 2026 midterms. For Trump, the “kickback scheme” is another chance to hammer his anti-establishment message. In India, the BJP-Congress slugfest over foreign aid is unlikely to fade, with both sides digging in as elections loom.
As of now, the alleged kickback scheme remains a murky tale of claims and counterclaims. Whether it’s a genuine scandal or political theater, one thing is clear: from Washington to New Delhi, it’s a story with legs.
