Trump highway in Sahara? US President claims a Morrocan 660-mile tribute in disputed territory

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Morocco will name a major highway in the disputed Western Sahara after him, a move that appears to recognise his 2020 decision to back Rabat's sovereignty over the territory — a policy shift that reshaped regional diplomacy and triggered a wave of investment in the area.

Trump made the announcement on Sunday through a video shared on his Truth Social platform. The footage showcased the vast desert landscape and sections of the 1,055-kilometre highway connecting the southern cities of Tiznit and Dakhla. The road, estimated to cost around $1 billion, runs through territory that Morocco considers part of its southern provinces.

The video described the proposed "President Donald J. Trump Highway" as one of Africa's longest highways, tracing nearly seven per cent of the continent's Atlantic coastline. It is expected to become part of a broader transport corridor linking West Africa with Morocco and the Mediterranean region.


“Thank you to Highly Respected Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco — Such a Great Honor!” Trump wrote in his post. “I look forward to traveling the entire length of this Great Highway someday, hopefully soon!”

Centre of diplomatic dispute

Moroccan authorities have not officially confirmed that the highway will bear Trump's name, and the government has not responded publicly to the claim. If formalised, the gesture would further underscore the close ties between Washington and one of its oldest allies in North Africa.

Western Sahara has remained disputed since Spain withdrew from the territory in 1975. Morocco controls most of the mineral-rich region, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front continues to push for an independence referendum on behalf of the indigenous Sahrawi people.

Trump's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020 came as part of an agreement under which Morocco restored diplomatic relations with Israel. The decision marked a major departure from decades of US policy and was later followed by similar backing from France and Spain.

Since then, Morocco has accelerated investment across the territory, including a $1.3 billion deep-water port, tourism projects and renewable energy developments. The region also gained international attention after filmmaker Christopher Nolan shot portions of The Odyssey near Dakhla last year, drawing criticism from the Polisario Front.

The promotional video shared by Trump credited both leaders for the region's transformation, stating: “Under the visionary leadership of his majesty King Mohammed VI and thanks to the historic courage of President Donald J. Trump, the Moroccan Sahara has entered a new era in the pursuit of peace, dialogue and prosperity.”

(With Bloomberg inputs)