The Moroccan government has officially named a major highway in the Western Sahara region after former US President Donald Trump, following a decision announced by King Mohammed VI. The 1,055-kilometer Tiznit-Dakhla expressway now bears the name “Autoroute Donald J. Trump”, as confirmed by the Moroccan state news agency.

In a letter sent to Trump on July 2, the Moroccan monarch expressed his intention to honor the president for his “historic recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020—a move the king described as “forever etched in the memory of Moroccans.”

Diplomatic gesture with global implications

The decision follows Trump’s 2020 decision to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a move that shifted decades of US foreign policy and sparked international debate. Morocco has long claimed the territory, while the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, backed by the Polisario Front, continues to demand self-determination.

King Mohammed VI emphasized that the highway, stretching from southern Morocco into the disputed territory, represents “Africa’s longest road infrastructure,” highlighting its strategic and symbolic importance.

Trump responds with gratitude

On July 26, Trump took to Truth Social to express his appreciation for the honor. “Thank you to His Royal Highness Mohammed VI. (…) What an immense honor! I look forward to one day driving the entire length of this great highway—hopefully soon!” he wrote, though Rabat has not confirmed his plans to visit.

The highway, inaugurated as a key infrastructure project, is expected to boost economic connectivity between Morocco and Western Sahara while reinforcing the kingdom’s claims over the contested region.

International reactions pending

While Morocco celebrates this diplomatic milestone, the international community has yet to issue an official response. The United Nations and African Union have historically supported a referendum on self-determination for Western Sahara, a position that remains unchanged.

Morocco’s decision to name the highway after Trump underscores the deepening ties between the two nations, particularly in the aftermath of the 2020 sovereignty recognition.