Morocco Names Africa’s Longest Highway After Trump

Morocco has taken the unusual step of permanently honoring President Donald Trump by naming Africa’s longest highway after him, a decision that reflects how one of America’s closest allies views Trump’s support during one of the kingdom’s most important diplomatic disputes.

The newly named Donald J. Trump Highway stretches more than 1,055 kilometers, or about 650 miles, between the cities of Tiznit and Dakhla. Much of the route runs through the disputed territory of Western Sahara, making the name far more than a ceremonial gesture. For Morocco, it is a public expression of gratitude for a decision that fundamentally changed the country’s international standing.

A Tribute from King Mohammed VI

Morocco is led by King Mohammed VI, who has ruled the North African kingdom since 1999. In a letter to President Trump, the king explained that the highway was being renamed as a personal expression of appreciation for Trump’s support of Morocco’s position on Western Sahara.

“Your historic 2020 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara will remain engraved in the memory of Moroccans,” King Mohammed VI wrote.

He continued by explaining why he chose such a significant national landmark.

“In recognition of this favor stemming from a belief in the values of friendship and peace, and as an expression of my personal appreciation for you, I have decided to name one of the kingdom’s largest highways after Your Excellency.”

The king also described the 1,055-kilometer roadway as “the largest road infrastructure in Africa.”

In another message describing the significance of the project, the monarch emphasized that the highway represents more than transportation.

“This highway unites our country, just as your leadership has brought our two nations closer in an unprecedented way.”

The expressway connects northern Morocco with Dakhla in the south, linking major regions of the kingdom while also serving as a symbolic connection between Europe and Africa.

Trump Responds

President Trump publicly welcomed the announcement, calling the honor deeply meaningful.

“Thank you to His Majesty Mohammed VI… What a tremendous honor!”

Trump also expressed hope that he would one day personally travel the full length of the highway bearing his name.

The exchange highlighted what both governments have described as an increasingly close relationship between Washington and Rabat.

The Western Sahara Dispute

The decision to rename the highway cannot be understood without examining the long-running dispute over Western Sahara.

The territory has been contested since Spain withdrew from the region in 1975. Morocco considers Western Sahara an integral part of the kingdom, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front has sought independence for the territory. The United Nations continues to classify Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory.

For decades, the dispute remained unresolved, with many governments avoiding a formal recognition of Moroccan sovereignty.

That changed dramatically in December 2020.

During his first administration, President Trump officially recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, making the United States the first country to take that position. At the same time, the administration endorsed Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the practical framework for resolving the conflict, arguing that full independence was not a realistic solution.

The policy shift also formed part of the broader Abraham Accords, under which Morocco agreed to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel.

Upon returning to office, Trump reaffirmed that policy, telling King Mohammed VI that the United States remained firmly committed to Morocco’s position and that alternative approaches only prolonged the dispute.

An Ally Remembered

For Morocco, naming one of Africa’s most significant infrastructure projects after an American president represents more than diplomatic courtesy. It signals that Trump’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara is viewed as a historic turning point in the country’s modern history.

King Mohammed VI described the decision as a mark of his “deep appreciation,” saying Trump’s recognition had “given unprecedented momentum to our bilateral relations.”

The naming of the Donald J. Trump Highway also illustrates a broader principle often associated with Trump’s foreign policy. Rather than treating alliances as symbolic relationships, Trump frequently emphasized tangible support for countries he viewed as strategic partners. In Morocco’s case, the kingdom responded with an equally tangible expression of gratitude by placing Trump’s name on its longest highway.

Whether one agrees with the underlying policy or not, the highway stands as a visible reminder that major diplomatic decisions can have lasting effects. Morocco believes Trump delivered meaningful support during one of its most important international disputes, and the kingdom chose one of its most prominent national landmarks to ensure that support will not soon be forgotten.