The U.S. circulated a video announcing a planned 660-mile highway through Western Sahara that U.S. statements have called the "President Donald J. Trump Highway," though Morocco has not formally confirmed the name. The route would link Dakhla and Tiznit and is described as a roughly $1 billion Atlantic-coast infrastructure project and part of a wider trade corridor. Observers say the announcement is linked to the 2020 U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a diplomatic move tied to Morocco's normalization with Israel.
660-Mile Sahara Highway Touted as 'President Donald J. Trump Highway' Amid Diplomatic Shift
Photo Credit: NurPhoto / Getty Images
A planned 660-mile roadway through Western Sahara has been publicly promoted in U.S. statements as the "President Donald J. Trump Highway," though Moroccan authorities have not formally confirmed the renaming. The proposed route would run along Morocco's Atlantic coast between the cities of Dakhla and Tiznit and is described by officials as part of a larger trade corridor linking West Africa with the Mediterranean.
Project Details
U.S. sources say the corridor represents roughly a $1 billion infrastructure investment and forms part of a broader plan to boost commerce and connectivity in the region. The area has also attracted major projects in recent years, including a reported $1.3 billion deep-sea port, tourism initiatives and renewable-energy developments.
Diplomatic Context
The announcement follows Washington's 2020 decision to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara — a move tied to Morocco's agreement to normalize relations with Israel. U.S. officials and the State Department circulated a video praising cooperation between then-President Donald J. Trump and King Mohammed VI of Morocco, calling the route one of the continent's longest highways.
"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! President DONALD J. TRUMP"
Rabat has not officially confirmed the highway's renaming, and observers say the tribute appears linked to Trump's 2020 diplomatic interventions in the region. France and Spain later signaled support for closer cooperation on the disputed territory, which has been contested since Spain ended colonial rule there in 1975.
Background: Western Sahara remains a disputed territory; Morocco administers most of it and has pursued infrastructure and investment to strengthen its control and develop the region.
Reporting: Initial coverage was filed by Devanshi Basu for Mandatory and republished by Reality Tea; the U.S. State Department and Donald Trump also circulated promotional video footage of the route.
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