In a symbolic diplomatic move, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has honored former U.S. President Donald Trump by naming a major highway after him, linking southern Morocco to the contested Western Sahara region.
Morocco now boasts an infrastructure bearing the name of Donald Trump. A newly designated expressway connecting Tiznit to Dakhla in the Western Sahara has been officially renamed the Donald J. Trump Highway, following a directive from King Mohammed VI. The announcement, made public through an official statement, included a letter dated July 2 in which the monarch expressed his gratitude to Trump for recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed territory in 2020.
In his letter, the King emphasized that Trump’s historic decision “will forever be etched in the memory of Moroccans.” He added, “In tribute to this gesture of friendship and peace, I have decided to name one of the kingdom’s most vital roadways the Donald J. Trump Highway.” Spanning 1,055 kilometers, this highway stands as Africa’s longest road infrastructure, further underscoring the significance of the gesture.
Trump’s 2020 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty
In December 2020, Donald Trump became the first major world leader to formally endorse Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a proposal that includes the region remaining under Moroccan jurisdiction while granting it self-governance. This landmark decision was made in exchange for Morocco’s normalization of relations with Israel, marking a pivotal shift in regional diplomacy.
The Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony seized in 1975, is rich in phosphate reserves and abundant fishing grounds. Though predominantly controlled by Morocco, the territory remains classified as non-self-governing by the United Nations. A decades-long conflict persists between Morocco and the Polisario Front, an independence movement backed by Algeria.
During a public message commemorating the 27th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s ascension to the throne, Trump reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Moroccan plan. He described it as “the only foundation for a fair and lasting solution,” warning that alternative paths would only prolong the status quo and prove unacceptable.
Reactions and symbolic significance
On his social media platform, Trump celebrated the highway’s renaming as a personal triumph. “Thank you to His Royal Highness Mohammed VI. What an incredible honor! I can’t wait to drive the entire length of this magnificent highway soon,” he posted on July 26.
The move reflects not only Morocco’s appreciation for Trump’s 2020 policy shift but also the enduring ties between the two nations. By immortalizing Trump’s name in Morocco’s infrastructure, the gesture serves as both a diplomatic thank-you and a lasting symbol of the former U.S. president’s influence on the region’s geopolitical landscape.
