NGO LGBT Lesotho Donald Trump US aid

🏳️‍🌈 People’s Matrix Denies Any U.S. Funding

The organization People’s Matrix, the leading NGO supporting LGBTQ+ rights in Lesotho, challenged Donald Trump’s statements on Wednesday. The former U.S. president claimed before Congress that $8 million had been allocated to promoting LGBT rights in this southern African country.
“We literally receive no U.S. funds,” said Tampose Mothopeng, the NGO’s spokesperson.

💰 No Evidence of This Financial Aid

Donald Trump justified his drastic cuts to international aid by citing this alleged grant. However, no record of this $8 million can be found on the official portal foreignassistance.gov, which tracks U.S. agency funding.
“We have absolutely no idea where this money was supposedly allocated, who received it, or who will receive it,” added Tampose Mothopeng, emphasizing that his organization does not even have a budget close to a fraction of that amount.

🏥 A Country Dependent on U.S. Aid to Fight HIV

Lesotho, a small mountainous kingdom landlocked within South Africa, is a key recipient of U.S. aid, particularly in the health sector. With one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world—nearly one in four adults living with HIV—American funding is crucial. In 2024, $120 million was allocated to healthcare, including $43.5 million specifically for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Several NGOs warned in February about the devastating consequences of cutting this funding.

😡 Outrage Over Donald Trump’s Remarks

Beyond the disputed statement, Donald Trump’s condescending tone when referring to Lesotho sparked a wave of reactions. He described the country as a “nation no one has ever heard of,” provoking outrage among many citizens.
On X (formerly Twitter), pro-democracy activist Kananelo Boloetse responded sarcastically: “Have you heard of the Kingdom of Heaven? I guess not, too busy playing golf.” He also highlighted a unique fact about Lesotho: “It is the only country in the world entirely located above 1,000 meters in altitude, much higher than your popularity ratings have ever been.”

💡 Conclusion: The People’s Matrix NGO categorically refutes Donald Trump’s claims, and no evidence supports the existence of this grant. Meanwhile, the people of Lesotho remain concerned about the future of U.S. funding, which is vital in the fight against HIV.