In a bold and unmistakable gesture, Morocco has paid tribute to former U.S. President Donald Trump by naming a monumental highway after him. The decision, announced by King Mohammed VI, follows a landmark move by the U.S. administration in 2020 that recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region. This latest development underscores the deep appreciation felt in Rabat for Trump’s pivotal role in reshaping international perceptions of the territory.

The newly christened “Donald J. Trump Highway” stretches across 1,055 kilometers, connecting Tiznit in southern Morocco to Dakhla in the Western Sahara. Official sources from the Moroccan Press Agency (MAP) revealed that King Mohammed VI personally conveyed this honour in a letter to Trump on July 2, highlighting the decision as a testament to enduring friendship and peace between the two nations.

An unprecedented diplomatic victory

The Moroccan monarch emphasized in his correspondence that Trump’s historic recognition of Moroccan sovereignty in 2020 would remain etched in the collective memory of the nation. “In gratitude for this profound act of friendship and peace, I have decided to name one of the kingdom’s most vital road infrastructures after ‘Donald J. Trump Highway,’” the king wrote. The highway, now the longest road network in Africa, symbolizes Morocco’s commitment to integrating the Western Sahara through large-scale infrastructure development.

From recognition to renaming

In December 2020, the Trump administration broke with decades of U.S. policy by endorsing a Moroccan autonomy plan for Western Sahara, contingent upon Morocco establishing diplomatic ties with Israel. This bold diplomatic shift not only strengthened Morocco’s position but also paved the way for the current tribute. The Western Sahara, a phosphate-rich and strategically vital territory, has been a flashpoint for over half a century, with Morocco controlling most of the region while the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, continues to advocate for independence.

A reciprocal gesture of appreciation

In response to the highway’s renaming, Trump expressed his gratitude on social media, calling the honour “a tremendous gesture of respect and admiration.” He shared his excitement about the prospect of one day driving the full length of the highway, describing it as “an incredible honour.” While Moroccan officials did not confirm Trump’s social media claims, the symbolic value of the tribute remains undeniable.

Morocco’s Ministry of Equipment and Water highlighted that the highway project, launched in 2015, is a cornerstone of the kingdom’s strategy to develop the Western Sahara. Although still under construction, the route includes a high-speed section from Tiznit to Laâyoune—the heart of the Western Sahara—and extends as a national road to Dakhla. With an estimated budget of nearly 850 million euros, the project reflects Morocco’s long-term vision for regional integration and economic growth.