Trump’s Remarks on Lesotho in Congress Highlight Foreign Aid Cuts

During a congressional address, President Trump dismissed Lesotho as a country “nobody has ever heard of” while defending cuts to foreign aid. He referenced an $8 million funding for LGBTQI+ initiatives in Lesotho, eliciting laughter from some lawmakers. Notably, the U.S. has made substantial investments in health and HIV/AIDS initiatives in Lesotho, yet the Trump administration has drastically reduced overall foreign aid.

In a recent address to Congress, United States President Donald Trump criticized the African nation of Lesotho, referring to it as a country that “nobody has ever heard of.” This comment was made while discussing significant reductions in U.S. foreign aid, including an $8 million allocation to promote LGBTQI+ rights in Lesotho. His remarks were met with laughter from Republican lawmakers, as well as smiles from Vice President JD Vance and Speaker Mike Johnson.

Lesotho, a landlocked constitutional monarchy, faces severe public health challenges, notably one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS globally. The U.S. has pledged over $630 million since 2006 towards combatting HIV/AIDS in the country. This funding has been directed toward providing essential medications and increasing awareness among vulnerable populations who often encounter stigma regarding their health.

Moreover, in 2022, the United States signed a $300 million agreement through the Millennium Challenge Corporation to enhance health services and agricultural productivity in Lesotho. This initiative encourages nations to demonstrate good governance and democratic practices in exchange for U.S. financial support. However, the Trump administration has prioritized domestic funding over foreign aid, with claims that such support does not align with U.S. interests.

The Trump administration’s return to power has resulted in the cancellation of over 90 percent of U.S. foreign assistance. Trump has been less engaged with African nations, previously facing criticism for comments regarding immigrants from the continent. Under the advisory of Elon Musk, the administration has notably downsized the operations of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

In conclusion, President Trump’s recent comments highlight his administration’s stance on international aid, particularly regarding African nations like Lesotho. His dismissal of Lesotho contrasts sharply with the significant U.S. commitments to health initiatives in the country. This situation underscores the ongoing debate surrounding foreign assistance and the prioritization of domestic issues over international support.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com