Trump Reaffirms US Backing for Morocco’s Claim Over Western Sahara

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his country’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, calling the North African kingdom’s autonomy plan the only viable solution to the long-standing dispute. Moroccan state news agency MAP reported Trump’s remarks on Saturday, marking his first direct comments on the issue during his second term in office.

The Western Sahara conflict, dormant for decades, pits Morocco—which claims the territory as its own—against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the region. The area is rich in phosphate deposits and fishing resources.

Trump first recognized Morocco’s claims in late 2020 as part of a broader agreement in which Morocco agreed to normalize relations with Israel under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. In a recent message to King Mohammed VI, Trump said, “The United States recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and supports Morocco’s serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal as the only basis for a just and lasting solution.”

He also emphasized the broader regional benefits of their cooperation, highlighting joint efforts to promote peace, fight terrorism, and expand commercial ties.

Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the continuation of this policy. And in June, the UK joined the U.S. and France in supporting Moroccan autonomy under sovereignty, making it the third permanent member of the UN Security Council to do so.

Meanwhile, Algeria, a staunch supporter of the Polisario Front, continues to reject Morocco’s autonomy plan and has declined participation in UN-led talks, insisting instead on a referendum that includes independence as an option.