Former President Trump joked about Lesotho during a congressional address, questioning its recognition while discussing U.S. aid efforts. Lesotho faces critical health challenges, with the U.S. providing significant funding to tackle HIV/AIDS. However, Trump has proposed considerable cuts to foreign aid, claiming it is less beneficial to U.S. interests and asserting a focus on domestic tax cuts.
Former President Donald Trump recently made a joking remark regarding the African nation of Lesotho during a congressional address while discussing past U.S. aid initiatives. He said, “Eight million dollars to promote LGBTQI+ in the African nation of Lesotho, which nobody has ever heard of,” eliciting laughter from Republican lawmakers and expressions of amusement from Vice President JD Vance and Speaker Mike Johnson.
Lesotho, a landlocked constitutional monarchy, faces significant public health challenges, including one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates globally. Recognizing this, the United States has committed over $630 million since 2006 to combat the disease through medical aid and social support initiatives aimed at raising awareness for marginalized communities.
In addition to previous funding, the U.S. government last year entered into a $300 million agreement to enhance health and agriculture in Lesotho via the Millennium Challenge Corporation, supporting nations that exemplify democratic governance. However, upon his return to office, President Trump has dramatically reduced foreign assistance, claiming that funds could be better allocated domestically, specifically for tax cuts.
Furthermore, Trump, under the influence of billionaire Elon Musk, is reported to have significantly diminished the operations of the U.S. Agency for International Development. During his initial term, Trump demonstrated minimal engagement with African nations and infamously used derogatory language to describe immigrants from the continent.
In summary, Trump’s comments concerning Lesotho reveal a broader disinterest in African issues during his administration. Despite substantial U.S. commitments to combat HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and foster development, Trump’s proposed cuts to foreign aid and his previous remarks illustrate a complex and often contentious approach to U.S.-Africa relations.
Original Source: www.citizen.digital
