Morocco renames highway after Donald Trump

The Morocco has honored Donald Trump by naming a major highway after him. The decision, announced by King Mohammed VI, reflects the Moroccan government’s gratitude for Trump’s historic 2020 decision to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara.

The newly renamed Autoroute Donald J. Trump connects Tiznit to Dakhla, covering an impressive 1,055 kilometers. This makes it the longest road infrastructure in Africa, according to official statements.

Symbolic gesture of gratitude

In a letter dated July 2, 2026, King Mohammed VI expressed his appreciation to Donald Trump for his role in shaping a new chapter in Morocco–United States relations. The monarch emphasized that Trump’s recognition of Morocco’s territorial integrity would remain a defining moment in the nation’s history.

The king wrote, «In tribute to this gesture of friendship and peace, I have decided to name one of the kingdom’s most important road infrastructures the ‘Autoroute Donald J. Trump.’» The decision underscores the deepening ties between the two nations, particularly in the realms of diplomacy and infrastructure development.

Diplomatic and strategic context

The Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, has been a long-standing territorial dispute. While the Moroccan government controls most of the region, the United Nations continues to classify it as a non-self-governing territory. The conflict has persisted for decades, pitting Morocco against the Polisario Front, an independence movement backed by Algeria.

Donald Trump’s 2020 announcement marked a significant shift in U.S. policy, aligning with Morocco’s proposal for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty. This decision was a key factor in the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel, further solidifying the U.S.’s strategic partnership with Rabat.

Reactions and future implications

In response, Donald Trump expressed his enthusiasm for the gesture, sharing on Truth Social that he looked forward to traveling the highway someday. The Moroccan leadership has yet to confirm such a visit.

This symbolic act reflects the growing collaboration between Morocco and the United States, particularly in infrastructure, diplomacy, and regional stability within the Maghreb.