Maseru – Lesotho’s government expressed shock and embarrassment on Wednesday following U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks mocking the African nation during his address to Congress.
Trump dismissed Lesotho as a country "nobody has ever heard of" while defending his administration’s foreign aid cuts. He specifically mentioned an alleged $8 million U.S. aid program for LGBTQI+ initiatives in Lesotho, a claim that local activists and officials deny.
Lesotho’s Response
- Foreign Minister Lejone Mpotjoane condemned Trump’s comments, stating that they were unexpected and undiplomatic.
- The government intends to file an official protest with Washington over the remarks.
- The U.S. maintains an embassy in Lesotho’s capital, Maseru, and operates Peace Corps programs in the country.
Denial of LGBTQ+ Funding Claims
Trump’s reference to an $8 million LGBTQ+ aid project remains unverified.
- People’s Matrix, Lesotho’s main LGBTQ+ rights organization, denied receiving any such funding.
- Tampose Mothopeng, a spokesperson for the group, stated:
- “We are literally not receiving grants from the U.S.”
- “We have no idea about the allocation of $8 million.”
The U.S. foreign assistance website also does not list any direct LGBTQ+ funding for Lesotho.
U.S. Aid Focuses on HIV/AIDS in Lesotho
Instead of LGBTQ+ projects, official U.S. assistance records show that Washington spent around $120 million in 2024 on health and population programs in Lesotho.
- $43.5 million was allocated to HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.
- The U.S. has contributed more than $630 million to Lesotho’s anti-HIV/AIDS efforts since 2006.
- Lesotho has one of the highest HIV rates in the world, with nearly one in four adults living with the disease.
Public Reaction in Lesotho
Trump’s remarks sparked confusion and frustration among Lesotho’s citizens.
- Kananelo Boloetse, a journalist and activist, responded on social media:
- “Ever heard of Kingdom in the Sky? Guess not, too busy golfing to notice.”
- “Lesotho's the only country entirely above 1,000 meters elevation—higher than your approval ratings ever got.”
- “We’re here, we’re proud, and we’re not your punchline.”
The controversy comes as Lesotho and other African nations grapple with the potential fallout of reduced U.S. aid, especially in critical health sectors.
