**Lesotho Responds to Trump's 'Nobody Has Heard of' Comment**

Officials emphasize warm bilateral relations and the nation's international presence despite the comment.

Lesotho's government has publicly expressed its shock following remarks by US President Donald Trump, who stated that "nobody has ever heard of" the southern African country during a recent address to Congress. Trump made the comment while highlighting what he deemed wasteful spending, specifically mentioning "eight million dollars to promote LGBTQI+ in Lesotho," which prompted laughter among some lawmakers present.

In a statement, officials from Lesotho's foreign affairs department emphasized the warm and cordial relations the country maintains with the US. They were particularly surprised by Trump's characterization of Lesotho, noting it has established ties with various international organizations, including the United Nations, and hosts a US mission in its capital, Maseru. Foreign Affairs Minister Lejone Mpotjoane expressed disbelief at the President's remarks, pointing out that Lesotho's ongoing trade relationship with the US includes significant exports—amounting to approximately $240 million—mainly in textiles and clothing.

Lesotho's foreign affairs spokesperson, Kutloano Pheko, referred to Trump's comments as an "off the cuff" political statement that was uncalled-for, given the historical friendship between the nations. Pheko confirmed the presence of US organizations in Lesotho, further underscoring the paradox in Trump's statement regarding the country's recognition.

Though recent funding to LGBTQI+ organizations raised questions, neither Pheko nor Mpotjoane could comment directly on the specifics of that allocation, as it was distributed directly to these organizations. Meanwhile, Mpotjoane noted the impact of past cuts in US aid, particularly the cessation of funding related to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar), which had provided essential support for TB and HIV programs in Lesotho—programs upon which the country heavily relied.

Despite the challenges posed by the aid cuts, Mpotjoane refrained from criticizing the US for its funding decisions, acknowledging that it is within the US government’s rights to cut aid. The diplomatic exchange and its implications point to a complex relationship, one marked by both collaboration and the potential for miscommunication.