Lesotho’s foreign minister has condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that “nobody has ever heard of” the African nation, calling the remark insulting and inviting the president to visit.
Trump made the comment during his address to Congress on Tuesday, citing Lesotho while criticizing foreign aid spending.
“Eight million dollars to promote LGBTQI+ in the African nation of Lesotho, which nobody has ever heard of,” he said, drawing laughter from lawmakers.
Foreign Minister Lejone Mpotjoane said he was stunned by the statement.
“I’m really shocked that my country can be referred to like that by the head of state,” he told Reuters.
Lesotho, a mountainous kingdom entirely surrounded by South Africa, is home to about 2 million people and boasts the highest average altitude of any country, earning it the nickname The Kingdom in the Sky.
“Lesotho is a significant and unique country. I would be happy to invite the president, as well as the rest of the world, to come and see it for themselves,” Mpotjoane added.
While the U.S. funds some civil society initiatives supporting LGBTQ+ rights in Lesotho, its aid also plays a crucial role in the country’s health and agriculture sectors. Trump’s administration has slashed billions in foreign aid as part of his “America First” policy, a move that has already affected Lesotho’s healthcare system.
Mpotjoane acknowledged that the government was working toward self-sufficiency but criticized Trump’s phrasing.
“The decision to cut aid is his prerogative, and we have to accept that. But to speak about my country in such a manner is quite unfortunate,” he said.