The Kingdom of Morocco has paid tribute to former US President Donald Trump in a manner befitting his own flamboyant style. Following a royal decree by King Mohammed VI, a major highway linking southern Morocco to the contested territory of Western Sahara has been renamed in his honor, as announced by the official Moroccan news agency.
This grand gesture comes as a formal expression of gratitude for Trump’s pivotal role in recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020—a move that aligned with a broader normalization agreement between Rabat and Tel Aviv. The newly christened Donald J. Trump Expressway stretches an impressive 1,055 kilometers, making it the longest road infrastructure project in Africa.
Symbolic tribute to a landmark decision
In a letter dated July 2 addressed to Trump, King Mohammed VI emphasized the enduring significance of the 2020 US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty. The monarch described the gesture as a way to immortalize Trump’s historic contribution, stating that it would remain etched in the collective memory of the Moroccan people.
The king’s decision was not merely symbolic. “In tribute to this demonstration of friendship and peace, I have designated one of the kingdom’s most vital road infrastructures with the name ‘Donald J. Trump Expressway,’” he wrote. The project, initially launched in 2015, reflects Morocco’s aggressive investment in developing Western Sahara, a region rich in phosphate reserves and abundant fisheries.
Western Sahara: A decades-old territorial dispute
Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony ceded in 1975, has been a flashpoint for conflict since Morocco took control of most of the territory. The United Nations still classifies it as a non-self-governing territory, while the Polisario Front—a Sahrawi independence movement backed by Algeria—continues to demand self-determination.
Morocco’s proposal for an autonomy plan under its sovereignty remains the only framework Washington considers viable for a lasting resolution. Trump reinforced this stance in a recent message to the king, reiterating that any alternative approach would only perpetuate the status quo, which the US deems unacceptable.
A reciprocal gesture of appreciation
Trump’s response, shared on his social media platform, reflected his characteristic enthusiasm. “Thank you to His Royal Highness King Mohammed VI. What an incredible honor! I look forward to one day driving the full length of this magnificent expressway—hopefully soon!” Rabat has yet to confirm the president’s remarks.
The highway, though not yet fully completed, connects key cities including Tiznit, Laâyoune—the de facto capital of Western Sahara—and Dakhla. With an estimated budget of €850 million, the project underscores Morocco’s commitment to integrating the region through large-scale infrastructure development.