Lesotho Shocked by Trump Remark: Lesotho’s government has expressed shock and disappointment following U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks that “nobody has ever heard of” the southern African nation.
Trump’s statement came during his first address to Congress since returning to the White House, during which he highlighted budget cuts to what he termed as “wasteful expenditures.”
Trump’s Controversial Statement Sparks Outrage
During his speech, Trump cited an example of an $8 million fund allocated for LGBTQI+ promotion in Lesotho, dismissing the nation as obscure.
His comment drew laughter from several U.S. lawmakers, causing frustration and dismay among Lesotho’s leadership.
The country’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Lejone Mpotjoane, expressed his discontent, stating it was “shocking” for a head of state to speak about a sovereign nation in such a dismissive manner.
“To my surprise, ‘the country that nobody has heard of’ is one where the U.S. has a permanent diplomatic mission,” Mpotjoane told the BBC. “Lesotho is a member of the UN and other international bodies, and we maintain warm and cordial relations with the U.S.”
Lesotho’s Strong Ties with the United States
Despite Trump’s remarks, Lesotho has enjoyed a long-standing economic relationship with the U.S., benefiting significantly from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The act provides favorable trade access to African nations to boost their economies.
In 2024, trade between the two countries amounted to $240 million, with Lesotho exporting textiles and clothing to the U.S.
Foreign affairs spokesperson Kutloano Pheko reaffirmed Lesotho’s diplomatic relations with Washington, emphasizing that the U.S. has an embassy in Maseru, and Lesotho maintains one in the U.S. capital.
“We have very warm relations with the U.S. Their embassy is here, and we also have a mission in Washington,” Pheko stated, dismissing Trump’s remarks as “off-the-cuff” and “political.”
U.S. Aid Cuts and Their Impact on Lesotho
Lesotho has been directly affected by Trump’s cost-cutting measures, particularly with the suspension of funds under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Established in 2003 under former President George W. Bush, PEPFAR has been instrumental in funding tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS programs in Lesotho.
Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in the country have faced financial instability following Trump’s decision to permanently end the program.
While Foreign Affairs Minister Mpotjoane acknowledged the negative impact of the cuts, he refrained from openly criticizing the decision, stating that it was within the U.S. government’s prerogative to allocate or withdraw aid as it sees fit.
Lesotho’s Response to LGBTQI+ Funding Allegations
Trump’s speech also highlighted the controversial topic of LGBTQI+ funding in Lesotho. While he alleged that $8 million had been allocated for LGBTQI+ initiatives in the country, Lesotho officials could not confirm the claim.
Pheko noted that since the funds were directed toward specific organizations, only those recipients could provide details on their use. However, he reiterated that Lesotho’s government was not responsible for managing such funds and maintained that relations with the U.S. remained intact despite the political rhetoric.
Lesotho’s Global Recognition
Contrary to Trump’s assertion that “nobody has heard of Lesotho,” the landlocked kingdom is an active participant in international affairs. It is a full-fledged member of the United Nations, the African Union, and several regional and global organizations.
Lesotho’s economic contributions, particularly in the textile sector, have positioned it as a key partner in the AGOA agreement. Additionally, the country has long collaborated with international partners in areas of health, education, and infrastructure development.
Political Reactions and Social Media Backlash
Trump’s comment quickly went viral, drawing criticism from global political leaders, analysts, and social media users. Many accused him of displaying ignorance about African geopolitics and undermining long-established diplomatic ties.
Political commentators in the U.S. also weighed in, with some defending Trump’s approach to budget cuts but acknowledging that dismissing a sovereign nation was inappropriate. Others noted that the laughter from U.S. lawmakers reflected a lack of awareness about African nations’ contributions to global trade and diplomacy.
