In a surprising statement, U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn attention to Lesotho, prompting government officials to express their shock and disappointment.
Lesotho Government Responds to Trump's "Nobody Has Heard of" Remarks
Lesotho Government Responds to Trump's "Nobody Has Heard of" Remarks
Tensions Rise as Lesotho Officials React to President Trump's Comments in Congressional Speech
In a recent address to Congress, President Trump mentioned the African nation of Lesotho, stating that “nobody has ever heard of” it while discussing budget cuts. His remarks, made during his first speech after returning to the Oval Office, were met with laughter from some lawmakers when he cited the $8 million allocated to promote LGBTQI+ initiatives in Lesotho.
Lesotho's foreign affairs department quickly reacted, highlighting the country’s cordial relationship with the U.S. and its status as a significant participant in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which fosters trade between the two nations. Lesotho reportedly exported goods valued at $240 million to the U.S. in 2024, primarily textiles and clothing.
Foreign Affairs Minister Lejone Mpotjoane expressed disbelief that Trump would reference Lesotho in such a derogatory manner, emphasizing the country’s place as a member of the UN with a permanent mission in the U.S. He noted the strong diplomatic ties and criticized the remarks as "off the cuff" and uncalled-for, considering the longstanding relations between the two countries.
Spokesperson Kutloano Pheko reiterated that the U.S. mission is active in Maseru, and the nations maintain positive communications, with each holding embassies in one another's capitals. On the topic of the funding for LGBTQI+ organizations that Trump mentioned, Pheko pointed out that they would need to comment precisely, as they handle such allocations directly.
Amidst the controversy, Mpotjoane acknowledged that Lesotho has been impacted by recent cuts to aid programs, including the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The announcement of reductions in funding has destabilized various NGOs in Lesotho, which depended on these resources for crucial health programs. Nonetheless, Mpotjoane expressed that it was ultimately the U.S. government's prerogative to make such financial adjustments.
As the discourse continues, Lesotho’s officials have expressed hopes that relations will remain constructive moving forward and that our differences can be navigated diplomatically.
Find out more about Lesotho's rich culture and ongoing international relations through various global platforms.
Lesotho's foreign affairs department quickly reacted, highlighting the country’s cordial relationship with the U.S. and its status as a significant participant in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which fosters trade between the two nations. Lesotho reportedly exported goods valued at $240 million to the U.S. in 2024, primarily textiles and clothing.
Foreign Affairs Minister Lejone Mpotjoane expressed disbelief that Trump would reference Lesotho in such a derogatory manner, emphasizing the country’s place as a member of the UN with a permanent mission in the U.S. He noted the strong diplomatic ties and criticized the remarks as "off the cuff" and uncalled-for, considering the longstanding relations between the two countries.
Spokesperson Kutloano Pheko reiterated that the U.S. mission is active in Maseru, and the nations maintain positive communications, with each holding embassies in one another's capitals. On the topic of the funding for LGBTQI+ organizations that Trump mentioned, Pheko pointed out that they would need to comment precisely, as they handle such allocations directly.
Amidst the controversy, Mpotjoane acknowledged that Lesotho has been impacted by recent cuts to aid programs, including the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The announcement of reductions in funding has destabilized various NGOs in Lesotho, which depended on these resources for crucial health programs. Nonetheless, Mpotjoane expressed that it was ultimately the U.S. government's prerogative to make such financial adjustments.
As the discourse continues, Lesotho’s officials have expressed hopes that relations will remain constructive moving forward and that our differences can be navigated diplomatically.
Find out more about Lesotho's rich culture and ongoing international relations through various global platforms.
