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Lesotho’s government expressed shock and embarrassment on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump mocked the southern African nation during a congressional address. Trump dismissed Lesotho as a country “nobody has ever heard of” while defending his decision to slash foreign aid, claiming that Washington had allocated $8 million to promote LGBTQ rights in the country.
Foreign Minister Lejone Mpotjoane told AFP that the remarks were unexpected and disrespectful. “We did not expect a head of state to refer to another sovereign nation in such a manner,” he said, adding that Lesotho would file a formal protest with Washington.
Trump’s claim regarding the $8 million LGBTQ aid programme remains unclear. The People’s Matrix, Lesotho’s main LGBTQ rights organisation, denied receiving any such funds. “We are literally not receiving grants from the US,” said spokesperson Tampose Mothopeng, adding that they had no knowledge of the alleged funding.
According to the US government’s foreign assistance website, no financial support for LGBTQ initiatives in Lesotho was recorded. Instead, approximately $120 million was allocated in 2024 for health programmes, with $43.5 million directed towards HIV/AIDS efforts. Lesotho has one of the highest HIV rates globally, with nearly one in four adults infected.
Trump’s remarks sparked reactions from Lesotho citizens, with journalist and activist Kananelo Boloetse responding on social media: “Ever heard of Kingdom in the Sky? Guess not, too busy golfing to notice.”
