President Donald Trump is no stranger to controversy, often making headlines for his blunt remarks on international affairs and public figures. This time, his comments about the African kingdom of Lesotho have sparked concerns about a potential rift with Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, who has long been involved in humanitarian work in the country.
Trump’s Remarks About Lesotho in His Congressional Address
On March 4, 2025, Trump addressed Congress, defending his administration’s cuts to foreign aid. During the speech, he highlighted specific expenditures he deemed wasteful, including an $8 million program aimed at promoting LGBTQI+ rights in Lesotho.
In a dismissive tone, Trump remarked:
“Eight million dollars to promote LGBTQI+ in the African nation of Lesotho, which nobody has ever heard of.”
His comment was met with laughter from Republican lawmakers, further amplifying its impact.
Lesotho’s Foreign Minister, Lejone Mpotjoane, reacted swiftly, expressing shock and offense at Trump’s characterization of the country. Mpotjoane stated:
“I’m really shocked that my country can be referred to like that by the head of state.”
He also invited Trump and others to visit Lesotho, emphasizing the nation’s rich history and unique significance.
This remark is now at the center of growing tensions, as it directly undermines a country that holds deep personal significance for Prince Harry, who has spent decades working on the ground in Lesotho through his Sentebale charity.
Prince Harry’s Strong Connection to Lesotho
Lesotho holds a special place in Prince Harry’s heart. His bond with the southern African nation dates back to 2004 when, as a young royal, he visited the country on a gap-year trip. Witnessing the widespread impact of poverty and the HIV/AIDS crisis firsthand, he was inspired to co-found Sentebale in 2006 alongside Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso.
Since then, the charity has played a vital role in improving healthcare access, education, and emotional support for children and young people facing extreme hardships. Over the years, Harry has made multiple trips to Lesotho, building strong relationships with the people and leaders of the nation.
For him, Lesotho is not just another country on the map—it’s a deeply personal cause. Any disparaging remarks about it, especially from a high-profile figure like Trump, would likely not sit well with the Duke of Sussex.
A History of Tension Between Trump and Harry
This wouldn’t be the first time Trump and Prince Harry have been at odds. The former president has made several remarks about the British royal family, particularly targeting Harry and Meghan Markle.
- In 2019, Trump reportedly called Meghan Markle “nasty” after learning that she had criticized him before his election. Although he later denied making the remark, it added fuel to existing tensions.
- In 2020, after Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties and moved to California, Trump tweeted that the U.S. would not cover their security costs, reinforcing his disapproval of their decision.
- In 2022, Trump suggested that Harry should “grovel” back to the royal family after leaving his duties behind, adding that he believed Meghan was “leading him around by the nose.”
- In 2023, in an interview, Trump indicated that King Charles should have stripped Harry and Meghan of their royal titles, calling their actions disrespectful to the monarchy.
Given this history, Trump’s latest remarks about Lesotho could be interpreted not just as an attack on the country but also as an indirect slight against Harry’s humanitarian efforts.
Why Trump’s Comments Matter
Lesotho may be a small landlocked country within South Africa, but it has a rich history, strong diplomatic relationships, and deep cultural significance. The nation has been a recipient of international aid, including contributions from the U.K. and the U.S., making it a focus of humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Disparaging remarks from a figure like Trump could have several implications:
- Diplomatic Fallout: If Trump were to run for president again and win, his stance on foreign aid to Lesotho and other African nations could shift, affecting bilateral relations.
- Reignited Tensions with the Sussexes: Harry has consistently advocated for Africa’s development and has long defended the dignity of the people he works with. A negative comment about Lesotho could prompt him to speak out.
- Global Perception of Trump’s Africa Policy: Trump has previously been accused of making derogatory statements about African nations, notably referring to some as “sh*thole countries” in 2018. A new controversial comment about Lesotho could reinforce concerns about his attitude toward the continent.
Could This Lead to Another Public Feud?
Prince Harry has not shied away from addressing issues close to his heart, and if Trump’s comments were indeed dismissive of Lesotho, there’s a strong possibility that he—or Sentebale—could respond.
While Harry has largely remained above political disputes, his passion for Africa, particularly Lesotho, might compel him to issue a statement or defend the country publicly. This could mark yet another chapter in his long-standing, albeit indirect, feud with Trump.
Final Thoughts: A Clash of Ideals?
At its core, this potential rift between Trump and Prince Harry is about more than just words—it’s about fundamentally different worldviews. Harry, driven by humanitarianism and personal connections, views Lesotho as a place of hope, resilience, and importance. Trump, whose political rhetoric often emphasizes nationalism and cost-cutting on foreign aid, may see it as a low-priority nation.
As Trump continues to remain a dominant voice in U.S. politics and Prince Harry solidifies his role as a global advocate for social issues, their paths may cross again—perhaps not in direct confrontation, but certainly in the broader conversation about global responsibility and leadership.
Would Harry break his silence and respond? Or would he let his work with Lesotho speak for itself? Only time will tell.
