Lesotho’s foreign minister has expressed surprise and dismay at President Trump’s statement in an address to the US Congress, where he mentioned Lesotho while discussing his cuts to foreign spending. Mr. Trump referred to Lesotho as “a country which nobody has ever heard of,” which prompted laughter from the audience. The minister pointed out that Lesotho is well-known globally and invited the world, including the American president, to visit and experience the uniqueness of the country.

There is a US embassy in Lesotho, indicating familiarity with the nation. The Trump administration’s cuts on billions of dollars in foreign aid have affected Lesotho significantly. Despite this, Lesotho appreciates the US support in health and agriculture sectors through USAID over the years.

The aid from the US has played a critical role in Lesotho’s HIV program, but the recent cuts are causing severe setbacks, including the layoff of approximately 7% of the country’s health staff. Lesotho is exploring ways to become less dependent on foreign aid to mitigate these impacts.

The controversy surrounding Mr. Trump’s remarks about Africa is not new. He was previously reported to have referred to some nations in Africa as “shithole countries,” although he denied making such a statement. Furthermore, despite the cuts to foreign aid, business figures like Elon Musk, who advises Mr. Trump on government efficiency, are showing interest in the region by seeking to provide internet services through his company Starlink.

Additionally, Prince Harry co-founded the charity Sentebale to support vulnerable children affected by extreme poverty and HIV/AIDS in Lesotho, highlighting the country’s significant social challenges.