President Donald Trump’s description of Lesotho as a country “nobody has ever heard of” during his congressional address has triggered outrage and backlash from the southern African nation.
On Wednesday, Lesotho’s Foreign Minister Lejone Mpotjoane expressed his indignation in an interview with Reuters, calling Trump’s remark “deeply offensive.” He said, “It’s truly shocking for our country to be mentioned in such a dismissive manner by a head of state.” Mpotjoane emphasized Lesotho’s unique and important role on the global stage and expressed a desire to invite Trump for a visit to change his perspective.
During his joint address to Congress on Tuesday, Trump criticized what he called “shocking budget waste,” using Lesotho as an example. He stated, “We’re spending $8 million to promote the LGBTQI+ community in the African country of Lesotho—a place most people have never heard of.” His comment drew laughter from some members of the audience.
Mpotjoane acknowledged that some civil society organizations in Lesotho do receive funding from the U.S. Embassy to support the LGBT+ community, but he stressed that the aid extends far beyond sexual minorities. He highlighted the U.S.’s vital role in supporting Lesotho’s health and agriculture sectors, underscoring the broader scope of their partnership. The minister also addressed concerns about potential aid cuts, noting that Lesotho’s health sector heavily relies on foreign assistance.
While recognizing the short-term challenges, he assured that the government is working to strengthen its self-reliance. “While we respect the U.S. President’s authority to make decisions on aid, it’s deeply disappointing to have our nation dismissed in such a manner,” Mpotjoane said.