Lesotho Condemns Trump’s Remarks on U.S. Aid and LGBTQ+ Programs

The African nation responds to the U.S. president’s claim that it is an unknown country and criticizes his dismissal of its importance.

In a speech to Congress, President Donald Trump referred to Lesotho as a country 'nobody has heard of' and criticized $8 million in U.S. aid for LGBTQ+ programs there.
Lesotho's Foreign Minister Lejone Mpotjoane called Trump’s remarks 'surprising and disappointing,' highlighting the long-standing U.S. diplomatic presence in the country.
Trump’s comments have drawn attention to Lesotho’s significant HIV/AIDS challenges, with U.S. aid playing a critical role in treating over 200,000 patients since 2006.
Elon Musk, a South African-born advisor to Trump, recently met with Lesotho’s Prime Minister to discuss potential Starlink satellite agreements, underscoring the strategic interests in the region.
Cuts to U.S. development aid, driven by Trump’s administration, have already impacted Lesotho’s healthcare sector, leading to layoffs of medical workers and threatening HIV treatment programs.