Trump’s Comments on Lesotho Prompt Diplomatic Response Amid Musk’s Business Ventures
President Trump’s dismissive comments about Lesotho have prompted a response from the country’s foreign minister, stressing the importance of American presence in Lesotho. Amid this, Elon Musk is pursuing business opportunities in the kingdom through his Starlink satellite service. Controversially, Musk’s influence in U.S. government appears to threaten vital health aid programs in Lesotho, raising concerns about the repercussions of funding cuts.
In response to President Donald Trump’s recent comments dismissing Lesotho, the nation’s foreign minister, Lejone Mpotjoane, expressed disappointment, asserting that Trump should not generalize. His remarks came after Trump criticized U.S. foreign aid during a Congress speech, specifically highlighting an $8 million allocation for LGBTQI+ initiatives in Lesotho, a country of which he claimed few are aware.
While Trump belittled Lesotho during his speech, business ventures from Elon Musk are underway in the nation. Musk’s Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, seeks to establish internet services in Lesotho, having submitted a licensing application to the Lesotho Communications Authority for a 10-year duration. Musk met with Lesotho’s Prime Minister Sam Matekane to discuss potential developments in the realm of business.
Musk’s initiatives, however, are juxtaposed with the impacts of his role in the Department of Government Efficiency, where he has influenced cuts to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This reduction threatens critical health programs in Lesotho, particularly for HIV treatment, leaving the nation vulnerable.
Lesotho has received significant American assistance for nearly two decades, with over $44 million provided in the last year alone. As a result of budget cuts and the dismantling of USAID, the effects have been notably detrimental to health services, including layoffs affecting 7% of the healthcare workforce. Although Lesotho decriminalized homosexuality in 2012, LGBTQ rights remain a sensitive and stigmatized topic in the nation.
The remarks made by President Trump have garnered attention and criticism from Lesotho’s government, specifically emphasizing the nation’s diplomatic connections with the U.S. Despite Trump’s disparaging comments, Elon Musk’s business interests signal a different engagement with Lesotho. However, the ongoing reductions in U.S. foreign aid, especially from USAID, pose significant risks to critical health programs in Lesotho, underscoring the complex dynamics of international support and relations.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
