In a gesture of diplomatic gratitude, Morocco has named a major highway in the Western Sahara region after former U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision follows his 2020 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has officially designated the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway as the ‘Donald J. Trump Highway’, marking a historic tribute to the former U.S. leader. The announcement came via an official statement from the Moroccan government, which revealed a letter sent by the King to Trump on July 2, detailing the decision.
In the letter, King Mohammed VI expressed his deep appreciation for Trump’s pivotal role in recognizing Morocco’s claim to the Western Sahara in 2020, calling it a landmark moment for the nation. “This historic recognition will forever remain etched in the hearts of all Moroccans,” the King wrote. He further explained that the highway, stretching 1,055 kilometers—the longest road infrastructure in Africa—was chosen for its symbolic significance.
Why the Western Sahara matters to Morocco
The Western Sahara, a resource-rich desert territory with valuable phosphate deposits and rich fishing waters, has been a focal point of Morocco’s national agenda for decades. Spain relinquished control in 1975, but the region remains a non-self-governing territory under United Nations classification.
For half a century, Morocco has maintained control over most of the territory, though it faces persistent opposition from the Polisario Front, an independence movement backed by Algeria. The conflict remains unresolved, with both sides holding firm positions on sovereignty and self-determination.
A diplomatic turning point in 2020
The decision to name the highway after Trump follows his administration’s unprecedented move in December 2020. At the time, the U.S. became the first major global power to support Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a proposal that grants the territory significant self-governance while remaining under Moroccan sovereignty.
In exchange for this recognition, Morocco agreed to normalize relations with Israel—a diplomatic breakthrough that reshaped regional dynamics. The U.S. has since reaffirmed its stance, calling Morocco’s proposal “the only basis for a just and lasting solution” to the conflict.
In a public message released alongside the highway naming, Trump reiterated his unwavering support for Morocco’s position, stating that any alternative path would only prolong the existing stalemate. The former U.S. president also took to his social media platform to celebrate the tribute, calling it “a tremendous honor” and expressing his eagerness to one day drive the full length of the highway.
