Lesotho’s Foreign Minister, Lejone Mpotjoane, expressed his astonishment and embarrassment following President Trump’s address to Congress, during which Trump stated that “nobody has ever heard of” Lesotho. Mpotjoane remarked that such comments are not what one would anticipate from a leader of a nation.
In reaction, Mpotjoane conveyed his discontent, asserting that Trump ought to “speak for himself.”He pointed out the irony in Trump’s statement, particularly given that the United States has an embassy in Lesotho.
Mpotjoane implied that Trump’s remarks appeared to reflect a bias against Lesotho based on its economic situation, warning that the U.S. might eventually require assistance from Lesotho.
Notably, while Trump was delivering his speech, his advisor Elon Musk was actively exploring business ventures in the nation.
During his lengthy address, Trump criticized U.S. foreign aid, specifically referencing an $8 million funding allocation for LGBTQI+ initiatives in Lesotho, which he claimed was unknown to many.
His comments elicited laughter from the audience, including Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
At the same time, Musk was in talks with Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Sam Matekane, regarding the introduction of his Starlink internet service in the country.
Starlink has submitted an application for a 10-year operating license in Lesotho as part of its strategy to expand throughout Africa.
Musk, originally from South Africa, met with Matekane during the United Nations General Assembly, sharing a photo of their handshake on social media, accompanied by a message suggesting potential future collaborations.
Musk has been instrumental in the dissolution of the United States Agency for International Development, taking the helm of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency.
These budget reductions have put Lesotho’s HIV program at risk, leading to the termination of at least 1,500 health workers, which represents approximately 7% of the country’s healthcare personnel.
The government has deemed this a major setback. U.S. support has been crucial in allowing Lesotho to deliver life-saving treatment to over 200,000 people living with HIV.
For almost twenty years, Lesotho has relied on American assistance through USAID, which provided more than $44 million in the previous year.
The agency’s closure and the extensive cancellation of U.S. foreign aid contracts have had a disproportionately negative impact on Africa compared to other regions.
When questioned about Trump’s comments regarding the promotion of LGBTQI+ rights in Lesotho, the foreign minister indicated he was not familiar with the $8 million contract mentioned by Trump, noting that USAID funding primarily went through non-governmental organizations.
The minister did not comment on the reductions in U.S. aid.
While Lesotho decriminalized homosexuality in 2012, same-sex marriages are still not recognized, and activists report ongoing stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals.
This is not the first time Trump has made disparaging remarks about Africa; during his first term, he notoriously used a vulgar term to refer to certain African countries.
