March 7, 2025 – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has ignited controversy with his recent remarks about Lesotho, a small African nation, during his address to the U.S. Congress. As part of his speech, Trump criticized what he called "wasteful expenditure," singling out an $8 million U.S. aid package aimed at promoting LGBTQI+ rights in Lesotho. He dismissed the country as "a place nobody has ever heard of," sparking outrage among Lesotho’s government officials and citizens.
The comment, which drew laughter from some members of Congress, did not sit well with the government of Lesotho. Officials in the capital, Maseru, described their reaction as "shocked and embarrassed" and have announced plans to send a formal protest letter to Washington. Lesotho’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lejan, expressed his disappointment, stating that the U.S. has had diplomatic relations with the nation for years and operates an embassy in Maseru.
Social Media Uproar and National Pride
Trump’s remarks triggered a wave of responses on social media, where Basotho citizens took to various platforms to educate the world about their country. Many pointed out that Lesotho has been producing textiles for U.S. fashion brands, including T-shirts favored by Trump himself. Others mocked Trump for his ignorance, arguing that the U.S. has long-standing diplomatic and economic ties with Lesotho.
Lesotho: The Kingdom in the Sky
For those unfamiliar with Lesotho, the country is a landlocked, mountainous kingdom in Southern Africa, entirely surrounded by South Africa. Often referred to as "The Kingdom in the Sky," it is the only country in the world where the entire landmass is above 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) in elevation.
Lesotho has a population of approximately 2.3 million people and a $2.1 billion economy, largely dependent on exports, agriculture, and labor migration to South Africa. Due to limited arable land, food security remains a concern. However, Lesotho is rich in natural resources, including diamonds and water, often called "white gold."
The country also boasts one of the world’s largest dinosaur footprints, a unique cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes. However, HIV/AIDS remains a major health challenge, with nearly one in four adults living with HIV—one of the highest prevalence rates in the world.
The Role of U.S. Aid in Lesotho
Despite Trump’s claim that $8 million in U.S. funding was allocated to LGBTQI+ programs, local advocacy groups argue that most U.S. aid actually supports HIV prevention and healthcare initiatives. Slashing such aid has sparked concerns about a potential resurgence of the HIV epidemic in Lesotho, where international assistance plays a critical role in life-saving treatments and public health programs.
Lesotho’s Global Recognition
Although Trump may dismiss Lesotho as insignificant, several global figures hold strong ties with the country:
Prince Harry of the UK has been actively involved in charity work in Lesotho for years and maintains a close friendship with the King’s brother.
China, the United States' geopolitical rival in Africa, has heavily invested in Lesotho’s infrastructure and trade sectors. In fact, Lesotho is the largest sub-Saharan African exporter of garments to the U.S., with exports valued at $240 million.
While Trump’s comments may have been intended as a lighthearted jab, they have inadvertently brought global attention to Lesotho. Citizens of the nation, along with their government, have made it clear that they will not be reduced to a mere punchline. With a rich cultural heritage, economic contributions to the U.S., and strategic geopolitical ties, Lesotho is far from "a country nobody has ever heard of."
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