In a significant move, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has decreed that a major highway, linking the nation’s southern regions to the disputed territory of Western Sahara, will bear the name of former United States President Donald Trump. This decision, announced recently, underscores a profound gesture of gratitude from the Moroccan monarchy.
Donald Trump now has a highway named in his honor within Morocco. The express route connecting southern Morocco to Western Sahara has been officially designated the “Donald J. Trump Highway,” a direct result of King Mohammed VI’s royal decree.
Specifically, the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway now carries the moniker “Donald J. Trump Highway.” This was confirmed through a letter dispatched by the King to President Trump on July 2nd, publicly revealing the decision. In his correspondence, Mohammed VI emphasized that this act serves as a token of appreciation for Trump’s “historic recognition in 2020 of Morocco’s sovereignty over ‘its Sahara’,” an event he stated “will forever be etched in the memory of Moroccans.”
The King articulated his motivation, writing, “In tribute to this testament of friendship and peace, I have made the decision to name one of the kingdom’s most crucial road infrastructures the ‘Donald J. Trump Highway’.” He further highlighted the impressive scale of the project, noting, “This infrastructure stretches over 1,055 kilometers, making it the longest road network in all of Africa.”
A singular path for a just and lasting resolution
In December 2020, Donald Trump unexpectedly endorsed a Moroccan autonomy plan for Western Sahara. This diplomatic shift was part of a broader agreement that saw Morocco normalize its relations with Israel.
Once a Spanish colony until 1975, this expansive desert region, rich in phosphates and abundant fishing waters, is largely under Moroccan control. However, the United Nations continues to classify it as a non-self-governing territory.
For five decades, Rabat has been embroiled in a conflict with the Polisario Front, an independence movement backed by Algeria. In a message to King Mohammed VI, commemorating the 27th anniversary of his ascension to the throne this week, Donald Trump reiterated his steadfast support for Rabat’s proposed solution for Western Sahara.
The United States maintains that the Moroccan proposal represents “the only foundation for a just and lasting solution.” Trump asserted, “Any alternative course prolongs the current situation and is unacceptable.” On his Truth Social platform, Donald Trump expressed his delight on July 26th at King Mohammed VI’s decision to name a highway in Western Sahara after him.
“Thank you to His Royal Highness Mohammed VI. (…) What a tremendous honor! I eagerly anticipate traversing the entire length of this magnificent highway one day, hopefully very soon!” the former U.S. President declared.
