In a gesture both symbolic and bold, the Kingdom of Morocco has paid tribute to former US President Donald Trump by naming a major highway after him. The decision, made at the behest of King Mohammed VI, reflects deep appreciation for Trump’s pivotal role in recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020.
The newly christened “Donald J. Trump Highway” stretches 1,055 kilometers, linking Tiznit in southern Morocco to Dakhla, a city in the disputed Western Sahara territory. According to official statements, this infrastructure is hailed as the longest roadway in Africa, underscoring Morocco’s commitment to regional development.
Trump’s decisive 2020 recognition of Western Sahara sovereignty
In December 2020, Trump broke with decades of US policy by endorsing Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara—a move tied to the normalization of relations between Rabat and Tel Aviv. The decision was met with widespread acclaim in Morocco, where King Mohammed VI described it as a “historic recognition” that would forever remain etched in the nation’s memory.
In a letter dated July 2, the Moroccan monarch formally announced the highway’s renaming, emphasizing the gesture as a “testament to friendship and peace”. The infrastructure project, initiated in 2015, spans vast desert landscapes and includes a high-speed route to Laâyoune, the de facto capital of Western Sahara, before extending to Dakhla. With an estimated budget of €850 million, the highway symbolizes Morocco’s strategic investment in the region’s future.
A reciprocal gesture of strong ties
Trump responded with enthusiasm, taking to Truth Social to express his gratitude. “Thank you to His Royal Highness Mohammed VI… What an incredible honor! I look forward to driving the entire length of this magnificent highway someday—hopefully soon!” he wrote, though Rabat has not yet confirmed his plans to visit.
Washington has since reaffirmed its stance, with Trump reiterating in a public message that Morocco’s proposal remains “the sole basis for a fair and lasting solution” in Western Sahara. Any alternative path, he warned, would only perpetuate stagnation and prove unacceptable.
The highway’s construction, though still underway, showcases Morocco’s ambitious vision for the region. Aerial footage reveals a modern thoroughfare cutting through the Sahara, a stark contrast to the decades-long conflict that has divided Rabat and the Polisario Front—a separatist movement backed by Algeria.
