Trump’s Address: Redefining Foreign Aid and Mocking Lesotho

In his congressional address, President Trump derided Lesotho as an unknown African nation while justifying foreign aid cuts. He claimed $8 million was allocated for LGBTQ+ initiatives in Lesotho, a statement contradicted by actual aid records, which show that significant funds were directed toward health programs, including HIV/Aids prevention. Trump’s cuts aim to tackle perceived waste and align with his goal of reducing inflation.

In a recent address to Congress, President Donald Trump referred to Lesotho as an “African nation which nobody has ever heard of.” During his speech, he targeted US funding allocations, specifically mentioning an alleged $8 million allocated for LGBTQI+ promotion in Lesotho, which he pronounced awkwardly. His comments elicited laughter from Republican lawmakers, including Vice-President JD Vance and Speaker Mike Johnson, who were visibly amused by his remarks.

Trump emphasized his administration’s commitment to cutting what he calls “flagrant waste of taxpayer dollars,” which is part of his broader initiative to reduce federal spending. However, it is noteworthy that the US government’s foreign assistance records do not support the claim of specific funding for LGBTQ+ rights in Lesotho. Instead, approximately $120 million in aid was designated for health and population programs in the country in 2024, with $43.5 million focused on HIV/Aids initiatives.

One significant program, called Karabo ea Bophelo, has received $7.7 million as part of a five-year USAID effort to prevent new HIV infections and assist vulnerable populations, including children and young women. Despite Trump’s statements, Lesotho has made progress in LGBTQ+ rights, having decriminalized same-sex relationships in 2012.

During his address, Trump announced the establishment of a new governmental department aimed at increasing efficiency and eliminating waste, led by billionaire Elon Musk. Among the programs Trump labeled as wasteful were $22 billion for housing and cars for illegal immigrants, and $60 million for Afro-Colombian empowerment. He asserted that his planned cuts to foreign aid align with the goal of mitigating inflation by curtailing governmental expenditures.

The United States remains a leading donor of foreign aid globally, spending over $47 billion in 2019, primarily directed to nations recovering from conflict or considered strategically relevant. Many African countries, such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, have been major recipients, with 32% of US foreign aid designated for the continent. Trump’s administration is inclined to prioritize reductions in social programs both domestically and internationally in favor of what he considers more efficient spending strategies.

President Trump’s remarks about Lesotho in his congressional address highlight a contentious view on foreign aid allocations and funding for LGBTQ+ rights. Although he intends to reduce federal spending and combat inflation by eliminating supposedly wasteful programs, the reality of foreign aid expenditure reveals that substantial funds support critical health initiatives in countries like Lesotho. His administration continues to reassess foreign assistance priorities, reflecting a shift towards a more scrutinized approach to government spending.

Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za