President Trump humorously dismissed Lesotho as a little-known country during a Congressional speech while justifying cuts to foreign aid, including an $8 million LGBTQI+ rights project. Lesotho receives significant US aid to combat HIV/AIDS and health programs, but Trump’s administration plans to cut over 90% of foreign aid. Trump’s administration has shown minimal interest in Africa, marked by reduced foreign assistance efforts.
During a recent congressional address, United States President Donald Trump humorously referred to the African nation of Lesotho as a country that “nobody has ever heard of.” This remark occurred while he defended extensive cuts to foreign aid, including a mention of an $8 million allocation aimed at promoting LGBTQI+ rights in Lesotho, where he struggled with pronunciation. His comments were met with laughter from Republican lawmakers and supportive expressions from Vice President JD Vance and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
Lesotho, a landlocked country with a significant HIV/AIDS epidemic, has received more than $630 million from the United States since 2006 to combat this issue, including medication and support initiatives aimed at reducing stigma against sexual minorities. Furthermore, the United States Government recently entered a $300 million agreement to bolster health and agricultural projects in Lesotho through the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which provides financial assistance to eligible developing nations.
The Trump administration, upon returning to power, has enacted a policy that cancels over 90 percent of US foreign assistance, claiming it aligns better with national interests and would be more beneficial if channeled into tax reductions. Under Elon Musk’s influence, the administration has effectively disbanded the US Agency for International Development, demonstrating a continuing lack of interest in Africa, as evidenced by a past derogatory comment made by Trump regarding African immigrants.
In summary, President Trump’s remarks regarding Lesotho during his congressional address reflect his administration’s policy shift towards drastically reducing foreign aid, particularly to African nations. This approach has significant implications for countries like Lesotho, which depend on US support to address pressing health issues. Furthermore, the cancellation of most foreign assistance underscores a concerning trend that prioritizes domestic financial issues over international humanitarian efforts.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
