Lesotho shocked by Donald Trump’s statements that “no one has heard about the country”

The Lesotho Government states that US President Donald Trump stated that “no one has ever heard about the” South African nation.

Trump, referring to the US Congress in his first speech since his return to the oval service, made a link when he listed the cuts made by the fact that he was wasteful.

“Eight million dollars to promote LGBTQI+ in the African Nation Lesota, which no one has ever heard,” Trump said, causing laughter from some US legislators.

A press secretary of the Foreign Affairs Department of Lesot told the BBC that Lesota used “warm and heart” relations with the United States.

Lesotho is one of the largest beneficiaries of the growth and opportunities in the US (AGO), which provides favorable trade access to some countries to promote their economic growth.

According to the US Government, both countries traded goods worth $ 240 million (£ 187 million) in 2024, mainly exports from Lesotho to the United States, in particular textiles and clothing.

Foreign Minister Lesot Lyazhon Mpotjon said he “shocked” to hear the head of state “thus” refer to another sovereign state. “

“To my surprise,” a country that no one has heard about, “is a country where the US has a permanent mission,” said Mr.

“Lesotho is a member of the UN and a number of other international bodies. And the US has an embassy and (there are) a number of US organizations we have placed here in Maser.”

Officials have rejected Trump’s remarks as “from the cuff” and “political statement”, adding that they are “not called”, given good relations between the two countries.

“We support very warm and heartfelt relations with the US. They have a mission in Maser, and we also have (one) in Washington,” said the Kutloan Feche Foreign Socialist press.

Mr. Feck could not confirm Trump’s comments to the financing that went to the LGBTC -Organization, saying that when the money went directly to them, they are best commenting on them.

Mr Mpotjoane, for his part, confirmed that Trump’s sudden decision was influenced by the country’s sudden decision.

Many organizations, mostly non -governmental ones, were thrown into chaos after Trump’s administration announced a constant completion of the US President’s Emergency Plan to help AIDS (PEPFAR) as part of a broader reduction in US government costs.

PEPFAR was launched in 2003 by US President George W. Bush, and his finances are distributed through the General Foreign Aid Agency USAid, whose funding was also reduced.

Lesotho is part of the countries used by PEPFAR, the Ministry of Health reported the South African edition in February, and the TB and HIV programs among those who receive critical means.

But Mr. Mpotjoane refused to criticize the decision by saying it “prerogatives to reduce assistance in the US if they want.”