Morocco honors Trump with historic highway name in Sahara

In a move both bold and symbolic, Morocco has paid tribute to former U.S. President Donald Trump in a manner befitting his style. By royal decree, King Mohammed VI has renamed a major highway linking southern Morocco to the disputed Western Sahara territory under Moroccan control. The announcement came through the official Maghreb Arab Press (MAP) agency, marking a gesture that aligns perfectly with Trump’s penchant for recognition through naming rights.

The newly christened Donald J. Trump Highway spans 1,055 kilometers, stretching from Tiznit to Dakhla—a route that officials proudly declare as Africa’s longest road infrastructure. The dedication was formalized in a letter from King Mohammed VI to Trump, dated July 2, in which the monarch expressed gratitude for the U.S. leader’s historic 2020 decision to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara.

From Recognition to Renaming: A Diplomatic Milestone

Morocco’s decision follows Trump’s unprecedented 2020 endorsement of Rabat’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara—a shift that came as a surprise to many. The move was part of a broader agreement involving Morocco’s normalization of ties with Israel, a diplomatic breakthrough that reshaped regional dynamics.

The Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony rich in phosphate deposits and marine resources, remains a contentious territory. While Morocco controls most of the region, the United Nations continues to classify it as non-self-governing. The decades-long conflict pits Moroccan authorities against the Polisario Front, a separatist movement backed by Algeria.

A Bond Strengthened by Shared Vision

In a reciprocal gesture, Trump responded with unwavering support in a message marking the 27th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne. The former president reaffirmed his backing for Morocco’s proposal, calling it “the sole foundation for a just and lasting solution”. Any alternative path, he warned, would only perpetuate the status quo—a scenario he deemed unacceptable.

Trump took to his social media platform to celebrate the highway dedication, writing on Truth Social: “Thank you, Your Royal Highness King Mohammed VI! (…) What an incredible honor! I can’t wait to drive the full length of this magnificent highway someday—hopefully soon!” Rabat has not yet confirmed whether the president’s remarks were officially endorsed.

Infrastructure as a Symbol of Commitment

The renamed highway is more than a symbolic honor—it reflects Morocco’s substantial investments in the region. Initiated in 2015 by King Mohammed VI, the project includes a high-speed route from Tiznit to Laâyoune, the Western Sahara’s principal city, extending to Dakhla via a widened national road. With an estimated cost of nearly €850 million, the infrastructure stands as a testament to Morocco’s dedication to development in the contested territory.

Aerial footage shared by Moroccan authorities showcases the ongoing construction, highlighting the highway’s strategic importance. Though not yet fully completed, the route represents a critical link in the kingdom’s southern expansion and economic integration efforts.