Lesotho Reacts to Trump's Controversial Remarks about the Nation

Lesotho's officials have voiced their disbelief following US President Donald Trump's assertion that "nobody has ever heard of" the southern African nation. This remark was made while discussing budget cuts, but officials defended their country's status and emphasized the strong bilateral relations with the US.

Lesotho's government has been left reeling in disbelief after US President Donald Trump remarked during a recent congressional address that "nobody has ever heard of" the small southern African nation. His comments came as he criticized allocations of funding he deemed wasteful, specifically an eight million dollar budget aimed at promoting LGBTQI+ rights in Lesotho, prompting laughter among certain lawmakers present.

In response, a representative from Lesotho's Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that the nation prides itself on its "warm and cordial" ties with the United States. Highlighting the importance of this relationship, they noted Lesotho’s significant participation in the US’s African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which enhances trade conditions for several African countries. Official estimates reveal that trade between Lesotho and the US reached approximately $240 million in 2024, primarily involving exports like textiles and clothing from Lesotho.

Lejone Mpotjoane, Lesotho's Foreign Affairs Minister, expressed his shock at Trump's address, emphasizing that "the country that nobody has heard of" is home to a US permanent mission, reinforcing its status on the international stage. He made it clear that Lesotho is a member of the United Nations and numerous other international organizations, acknowledging the US's embassy presence in the country alongside the Lesotho mission in Washington.

Official responses described Trump’s comments as rash and inappropriate, especially in light of the existing good relations between the two nations. Kutloano Pheko, a spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs department, reiterated that the friendly ties remained steadfast, despite Trump's remarks.

While Pheko could not verify the specifics of the funding directed toward LGBTQ organizations, he encouraged those organizations to offer clarification. On another note, Minister Mpotjoane acknowledged that the US’s abrupt cuts to foreign aid, including programs beneficial in Lesotho, have had a significant negative impact. The Trump administration's decision to halt financial support through the President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) has created instability among NGOs relying on these funds.

Despite the challenges posed by current US policies, Mpotjoane maintained a neutral stance on the aid cuts, asserting that it was within the US's rights to make such decisions.

Lesotho continues to navigate this tumultuous political landscape while advocating for its presence and contributions on the global stage.