Trump Mocks Lesotho During Congress Speech Amid Foreign Aid Cuts

During a Congress speech, President Trump referred to Lesotho as a country “nobody has ever heard of” while defending cuts to foreign aid. He highlighted past U.S. funding for LGBTQI+ initiatives in Lesotho, a nation significantly impacted by HIV/AIDS. The Trump administration has drastically reduced foreign assistance, citing national interest while criticizing the previous aid commitments.

In a recent address to Congress, President Donald Trump made a jest about the African nation of Lesotho, stating it was a country “nobody has ever heard of” while defending significant cuts to foreign aid programs. He cited a prior aid initiative, mentioning an $8 million allocation aimed at promoting LGBTQI+ rights in Lesotho, albeit fumbling in his pronunciation of the country’s name. His comments elicited laughter from Republican lawmakers and smiles from Vice President JD Vance and Speaker Mike Johnson.

Lesotho grapples with among the highest rates of HIV/AIDS globally, an epidemic that the United States has endeavored to combat by providing vital medical support and social services to its residents, particularly addressing the stigma faced by sexual minorities. Since 2006, the United States has invested over $630 million toward anti-HIV/AIDS efforts in Lesotho. Additionally, in the previous year, the U.S. entered into a $300 million agreement with Lesotho through the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which funds developing nations that adhere to democratic governance standards.

The Trump administration has enacted drastic measures by canceling over 90 percent of international aid, asserting it is not aligned with U.S. interests and proposing to allocate those funds for tax reductions instead. Under the influence of billionaire Elon Musk, the administration has effectively curtailed operations at the U.S. Agency for International Development. Historically, President Trump has posed little interest in African nations and has faced backlash for previously derogatory comments regarding African immigrants.

President Trump’s remarks regarding Lesotho during his congressional address highlight a broader trend of reducing U.S. foreign assistance, particularly in health-related initiatives facing serious challenges. With significant funding redirected and international aid under threat, the future of crucial support programs for countries grappling with health crises like HIV/AIDS remains uncertain. This shift raises critical questions about U.S. foreign policy priorities and commitments to global health initiatives.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com