U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated American recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, reaffirming a controversial policy first announced during his term in office. The message was delivered in a formal letter to King Mohammed VI, marking the 26th anniversary of the monarch’s accession to the throne. In the letter, Trump stated that “the United States of America recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara,” and called Morocco’s autonomy plan “the only serious, credible, and realistic basis” for resolving the decades-old territorial conflict. The Western Sahara dispute has persisted since Spain withdrew from the territory in 1975, leaving Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front in a long-running struggle over its status.
Trump’s statement reinforces a policy shift made in December 2020, when his administration broke with decades of U.S. neutrality to support Morocco’s claim in exchange for Rabat’s normalization of diplomatic ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords. The move was welcomed by Moroccan officials but criticized by Sahrawi activists and some members of the international community, including the African Union and certain European governments. In recent months, Trump-era envoys such as Richard Duke Buchan and Massad Boulos have publicly backed the recognition, signaling continued support from key U.S. figures aligned with his foreign policy views.
The letter also touched on broader cooperation between the U.S. and Morocco, praising shared efforts to promote regional peace, combat terrorism, and expand economic ties. Trump highlighted Morocco’s role as a “strategic partner” and expressed hope for deeper collaboration on stability in North Africa and the Sahel. While the Biden administration has maintained a more measured tone, it has not reversed the recognition, instead encouraging all parties to support a UN-led political process. The letter, released as Morocco celebrates its national day, is seen in Rabat as a symbolic affirmation of diplomatic gains made under King Mohammed VI’s leadership.
