- Donald Trump claimed that “nobody has ever heard of” Lesotho during his speech to US Congress.
- The Lesotho government called the remark shocking and uncalled for.
- Lesotho enjoys strong diplomatic ties with the United States, including trade benefits under AGOA.
- The country has been affected by Trump’s aid funding cuts, impacting HIV and TB programs.
- Lesotho officials maintain that their relations with the US remain warm and cordial.
Lesotho’s government has expressed shock and disappointment after US President Donald Trump dismissed the country as an unknown nation during his address to US Congress.
While highlighting his administration’s cost-cutting measures, Trump mocked an $8 million LGBTQI+ program in Lesotho, stating:
“Eight million dollars to promote LGBTQI+ in the African nation of Lesotho, which nobody has ever heard of.”
His remark sparked laughter among US lawmakers but drew criticism from Lesotho officials.
Lesotho’s Response
Lesotho’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Lejone Mpotjoane, condemned Trump’s comments, saying:
“To my surprise, ‘the country that nobody has heard of’ is the country where the US has a permanent mission.”
The minister emphasized Lesotho’s global recognition, being a member of the United Nations and several other international bodies.
Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Kutloano Pheko also dismissed the remarks as politically motivated, stating:
“We maintain very warm and cordial relations with the US. They have an embassy in Maseru, and we also have one in Washington.”
Impact of Trump’s Aid Cuts
While Trump’s remark caused diplomatic friction, the greater concern for Lesotho is the impact of his aid funding cuts.
The Lesotho Ministry of Health confirmed that the country has been affected by Trump’s decision to permanently end PEPFAR funding, which previously supported HIV and TB programs.
PEPFAR, launched in 2003 by President George W. Bush, provided critical health support through the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Despite the setback, Minister Mpotjoane refrained from outright criticism, stating:
“It is the US’s prerogative to cut aid if they want to.”
Diplomatic Relations Remain Intact
Despite the controversy, Lesotho maintains its strong economic and diplomatic ties with the US. The country benefits from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants preferential trade access to the US market.
Officials insist that Trump’s “off-the-cuff” remark does not reflect the long-standing partnership between the two nations.
