Trump’s Letter and the Renewal of U.S. Recognition of Morocco’s Sovereignty Over the Sahara: A Stinging Blow from Washington to the Algerian Regime
By Meryem Hafiani – ALDAR
Amid ongoing attempts by Algeria’s state-controlled media to distort facts and misrepresent Morocco’s initiatives, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s letter to King Mohammed VI reaffirmed, unequivocally, that the Moroccan Sahara is no longer a subject of debate in U.S. foreign policy. The explicit recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces remains firm and enduring, regardless of changes in Washington administrations or shifting moods in global capitals.
While Algerian propaganda tried to portray the Moroccan monarch’s call for a new chapter with the eastern neighbor as a result of external pressure or a retreat in international support for Morocco’s position on the Sahara, the diplomatic and on-the-ground facts tell a completely different story. King Mohammed VI’s speech, delivered in a calm and reasoned tone on the occasion of Throne Day, was not a reaction to temporary circumstances, but rather an extension of Morocco’s consistent strategic approach — one based on overcoming tensions and handling regional crises with responsibility and restraint.
In contrast, Trump’s letter dismantled Algeria’s narrative from the ground up. In it, the former U.S. President renewed America’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, stressing that Morocco’s autonomy plan is the only serious, credible, and lasting solution to this artificial conflict. This letter represents a direct diplomatic slap to Algeria’s military establishment, which still refuses to acknowledge regional changes and clings to an outdated confrontational mindset.
What’s even more striking is the timing of this U.S. position, which followed a visit by Massad Boulos — Trump’s adviser and son-in-law — to Algeria. Some had anticipated a similar visit to Morocco. However, the actual developments were quite different: a high-level closed-door meeting took place in Paris on July 29, involving Moroccan, American, and French officials. The meeting aimed to discuss practical steps toward a final resolution of the regional dispute, within a framework that respects Moroccan sovereignty and promotes regional stability.
The King’s speech came immediately after this meeting, in a tone of openness and responsibility, calling for a reconciliation that preserves dignity and opens new avenues for cooperation. Yet, it contained no retreat from Morocco’s fundamental principles. The monarch clearly affirmed that the extended hand toward Algeria is not a sign of weakness, but rather an expression of strength rooted in self-confidence and in Morocco’s historical and legal legitimacy regarding the Sahara.
Between the wisdom chosen by Rabat and the confrontational approach maintained by Algeria’s leadership, the gap continues to widen. Thanks to its visionary leadership and solid strategic alliances, Morocco continues to accumulate gains and reinforce its international position, while Algeria grows increasingly isolated due to a political stubbornness that no longer convinces anyone on the global stage.
What is being quietly built today between Rabat, Washington, and Paris is not merely circumstantial coordination, but rather the foundations of a major regional settlement — one that will reshape the balance of power in North Africa and place Morocco at the heart of regional security and stability. It is a role made possible by a forward-thinking royal vision that has proven effective in times of crisis and capable of asserting the rule of law in a region dominated by outdated and impulsive calculations.
