Introduction to the Donald J. Trump Highway
On July 26, 2026, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a significant infrastructure project that will bear his name: the Donald J. Trump Highway. This major highway aims to connect the towns of Tiznit and Dakhla, the latter situated in the disputed territory of Western Sahara. Trump's support for Morocco's claims to this region has been unwavering since his administration recognized Rabat's sovereignty over Western Sahara in late 2020, shortly before he left office.
Details of the Highway Project
The estimated budget for the highway stands at approximately 880 million euros, and it will stretch about 1,000 kilometers along the coast, linking various towns, including Laayoune, which is also under Moroccan control in Western Sahara. The southern terminus of the highway in Dakhla will connect to the expansive Atlantic Port project currently under construction, set to become operational by 2028.
In his announcement shared on Truth Social, Trump expressed gratitude to King Mohammed VI of Morocco, stating, "Thank you to the highly respected Mohammed VI, King of Morocco. What a great honor. I hope to travel this magnificent road someday, and I hope it will be soon." Accompanying his message was a video highlighting the historical ties between the U.S. and Morocco, noting that Morocco was the first nation to recognize the United States in 1777 and that both countries signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship nine years later, establishing what remains the longest uninterrupted diplomatic relationship in U.S. history.
The Donald J. Trump Highway, touted as one of the longest in Africa, aims to enhance connectivity along Morocco's southern provinces, linking the Atlantic coast to its natural African expanse. The highway is also part of Morocco's Royal Initiative to provide Sahel states with access to the Atlantic, thereby reinforcing the connection between these nations and the ocean and establishing the Sahara provinces as a strategic gateway between Africa and the world.
Construction of the Tiznit-Dakhla highway began in 2015 as part of a royal program aimed at developing the southern provinces and Western Sahara. The project is expected to be completed, with the highway fully operational by mid-2025. This territory, once a Spanish colony, was occupied by Morocco in 1975 despite resistance from the Polisario Front, which waged a conflict until a ceasefire was reached in 1991, intended to pave the way for a self-determination referendum. However, disputes regarding voter registration and the inclusion of Moroccan settlers have stalled this process.
Recently, the support of the Spanish and French governments for Morocco's autonomy plan has been seen as a betrayal by the Polisario Front, which underscores that Spain remains the de jure administering power of Western Sahara.
As reported by noticiasdegipuzkoa.eus.
