President Donald J. Trump announced that the Kingdom of Morocco is naming a major new expressway in his honor: the President Donald J. Trump Highway.
Trump shared his gratitude on Truth Social, thanking King Mohammed VI and expressing excitement about one day traveling the full length of the impressive infrastructure project.
“Thank you to Highly Respected Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco — Such a Great Honor! I look forward to traveling the entire length of this Great Highway someday, hopefully soon!”
The President Donald J. Trump Highway refers to the ambitious Tiznit-Dakhla Expressway, stretching approximately 1,055 kilometers (more than 655 miles) along Morocco’s Atlantic coast. The route connects northern regions to key southern provinces, including Laayoune and Dakhla in the Moroccan Sahara, strengthening economic development, trade, and regional connectivity.
The multibillion-dollar infrastructure project is widely viewed as a strategic investment designed to expand commerce, improve transportation, and link Atlantic Morocco with emerging economic opportunities across the Sahel.
Moroccan and international reports describe the highway as more than a transportation corridor—a “road of peace and prosperity” intended to stimulate growth in historically underserved southern territories. Promotional videos released in conjunction with the announcement showcase sweeping desert landscapes, modern engineering, and the flags of both Morocco and the United States.
The announcement also underscores the enduring relationship between the United States and Morocco, one of America’s oldest diplomatic partnerships. In 1777, Morocco became the first nation to recognize the independence of the United States.
During his first administration, President Trump strengthened that relationship by recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a decision that Rabat hailed as historic and that reinforced security cooperation, economic ties, and regional diplomacy within the broader framework of the Abraham Accords.
Spain, meanwhile, continues to navigate a more delicate position. Madrid officially supports a United Nations-led political process for Western Sahara while maintaining complex diplomatic, economic, and security ties with neighboring Morocco. In recent years, Spain has backed Morocco’s autonomy initiative as the “most serious, realistic and credible” basis for resolving the dispute, seeking to preserve stability and cooperation on migration, trade, and counterterrorism despite domestic political debate over the issue. Spain’s shift under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to support Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara has sparked political controversy at home. Opposition parties have criticized the policy, while Spanish media have reported allegations that Morocco sought to influence Spanish officials, including claims involving alleged surveillance and possible political pressure—allegations that remain disputed.
In any event, Morocco’s decision to honor President Trump reflects the kingdom’s appreciation for his support of its territorial position and the close strategic partnership developed during his presidency.
As Trump noted in his message, the designation represents a “Great Honor” bestowed by a “Highly Respected” ally—highlighting a relationship that both nations continue to describe as one of longstanding friendship and mutual strategic importance.
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