Trump's Claim of $8M LGBTQ Grant to Lesotho Disputed by Local Organization and Records

Lesotho's main LGBTQ group denies receiving US funding as Trump defends aid cuts, citing unverified claims in his Congressional address.

President Donald Trump claimed during his Congressional address that $8 million was allocated to LGBTQ initiatives in Lesotho, a small African nation.
Lesotho's leading LGBTQ organization, the People's Matrix, stated it has not received any such funding and is unaware of the alleged allocation.
US government records do not list any grants for LGBTQ programs in Lesotho, with recent aid focusing primarily on health, including $43.5 million for HIV/AIDS efforts in 2024.
Lesotho, known for its high HIV prevalence, has received over $630 million in US aid since 2006, largely targeting HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.
Trump used the claim to justify sweeping foreign aid cuts and announced the creation of a new Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, to address alleged wasteful spending.