Symbolic gesture of gratitude

The Moroccan government, led by King Mohammed VI, has officially named the Tiznit-Dakhla Expressway the “Donald J. Trump Highway.” The decision comes as a direct response to Trump’s historic 2020 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara.

In an official letter dated July 2, 2026, addressed to President Trump, King Mohammed VI expressed his deep appreciation for the groundbreaking U.S. recognition, calling it a “historic gesture of friendship and peace.”

The letter stated: “In tribute to this unparalleled act of friendship and commitment to peace, I have decided to name one of the kingdom’s most vital infrastructures—the Donald J. Trump Highway.”

Highway of significance

The newly named highway spans 1,055 kilometers, making it the longest roadway in Africa. It connects southern Morocco to the Western Sahara, a region long at the center of international debate.

The Western Sahara, once a Spanish colony, is rich in phosphate reserves and abundant fishing waters. While Morocco has controlled most of the territory since 1975, the Polisario Front—backed by Algeria—continues to advocate for its independence.

Diplomatic milestone and its implications

The Western Sahara conflict has persisted since the 1970s, with Morocco advocating for autonomy under its sovereignty. Trump’s 2020 decision to recognize Morocco’s claim shifted global diplomacy, paving the way for Morocco-Israel normalization.

In a reciprocal statement issued on the occasion of King Mohammed VI’s 27th anniversary of his reign, Donald Trump reaffirmed his unwavering support for Morocco’s autonomy plan. The U.S. emphasized that this proposal remains “the only viable foundation for a just and lasting solution.”

Trump wrote: “Any deviation from this path would only prolong the status quo, which is unacceptable.”

The naming of the highway follows Trump’s public acknowledgment on Truth Social on July 26, expressing his excitement about the honor. He wrote: “Thank you to His Royal Highness King Mohammed VI. What an incredible honor! I look forward to driving this magnificent highway in its entirety one day—hopefully soon!”

Understanding the Western Sahara conflict

• Historical context: Formerly a Spanish colony, the territory has been in dispute since the mid-1970s.
• Morocco’s stance: Claims sovereignty over the region, offering broad autonomy under Moroccan rule.
• Polisario Front: Led by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, demands full independence.
• International stance: The United Nations still considers the region a non-self-governing territory.