In a notable diplomatic gesture reflecting the strengthening ties between Morocco and the United States, King Mohammed VI has officially named a major expressway in Morocco after former President Donald Trump. The newly designated "Donald J. Trump Highway" connects Tiznit to Dakhla, a route extending to the disputed territory of Western Sahara, which is claimed by Sahrawi independence activists. The announcement was made by the Moroccan official news agency MAP on August 1, 2026, highlighting the significance of this renaming as a tribute to the historic recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara by Trump in 2020.
In a letter dated July 2, which was made public alongside the announcement, King Mohammed VI expressed his gratitude to Trump for his pivotal role in acknowledging Morocco's claims in what he termed "his Sahara." The king noted that this act of recognition would be "etched in the memory of Moroccans forever." He elaborated that naming one of the kingdom's most important infrastructural projects after Trump symbolizes a tribute of friendship and peace. The highway, measuring approximately 1,055 kilometers, is touted by the king as potentially the longest roadway in Africa, marking a significant feat in Moroccan infrastructure.
Trump's support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, which aligns with Morocco's governance, was a key aspect of his presidency, especially during the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel. This strategic alliance has been seen as a turning point in regional diplomacy and has drawn both praise and criticism from various factions within and outside Morocco.
As reported by instagram.com.
