In a symbolic gesture of gratitude, Morocco has christened a major highway linking the southern region to the contested Western Sahara territory with the name of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Under the directive of King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan government officially renamed the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway as the ‘Donald J. Trump Highway’, marking a tribute to the American leader’s pivotal decision in 2020.
The royal announcement came through an official communication released by the Moroccan Press Agency, accompanied by a letter from King Mohammed VI addressed to Donald Trump. The monarch expressed his intention to honor the former U.S. president’s historic recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a stance that reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the region.
In his letter, the King underscored the significance of this decision: “In acknowledgment of this profound gesture of friendship and commitment to peace, I have chosen to dedicate one of the kingdom’s most vital road infrastructures—the Donald J. Trump Highway.”
The newly named highway spans an impressive 1,055 kilometers, making it the longest roadway in Africa—a record that amplifies the symbolic weight of the tribute.
Diplomatic milestones behind the tribute
Donald Trump’s decision in December 2020 to endorse Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, in exchange for the normalization of relations with Israel, remains a defining moment in the decades-long dispute over the territory.
Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony abundant in phosphate reserves and rich fishing grounds, has been a flashpoint since 1975. While Morocco controls most of the region, the United Nations continues to classify it as a non-self-governing territory. The conflict pits Rabat against the Polisario Front, an independence movement backed by Algeria, creating a stalemate that has persisted for half a century.
In a reciprocal gesture, Donald Trump reaffirmed his unwavering support for Morocco’s proposal during a public message commemorating the 27th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne. The U.S. stance remains firm: “Morocco’s plan stands as the sole foundation for a just and lasting solution. Any alternative perpetuates an unacceptable status quo,” the former president stated.
Donald Trump took to his social media platform to express his enthusiasm over the highway’s renaming. “A monumental honor! I look forward to driving its entire length someday—hopefully soon!” he remarked, reflecting the personal significance he places on the gesture.
