In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, Morocco’s monarch has designated a major highway as the Donald Trump Expressway, honoring the former U.S. president’s historic endorsement of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara region.
The Moroccan people will soon travel on a highway bearing the name of Donald Trump. King Mohammed VI announced on August 1st that the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway would be renamed the Donald Trump Highway in recognition of the former U.S. president’s pivotal decision in 2020 to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara.
In a letter dated July 2nd, the monarch stated, “In tribute to this gesture of friendship and peace, I have decided to name one of the kingdom’s most vital roadways the Donald Trump Highway.” Spanning 1,055 kilometers, this infrastructure now holds the title of “Africa’s longest highway,” as highlighted by the king.
Diplomatic milestone: Trump’s 2020 decision
In December 2020, Donald Trump broke diplomatic norms by endorsing Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara—provided the kingdom normalized relations with Israel. The territory, once a Spanish colony until 1975, is rich in phosphate reserves and abundant fisheries. While Morocco controls most of the region, the United Nations still classifies it as a non-autonomous territory.
A lasting legacy
In a message marking the 27th anniversary of his enthronement, also made public by the Moroccan Press Agency, the former U.S. president reaffirmed his unwavering support for Rabat’s proposal for Western Sahara.