King Mohammed VI of Morocco is propelled by Donald Trump's patronage

King Mohammed VI of Morocco appears to have been bolstered by the endorsement of Donald Trump, according to reports emerging from the country’s political landscape. The monarch delivered a speech to the nation marking his 27th anniversary on the throne, emphasizing Morocco's stability as a strategic force amid regional turbulence. He highlighted robust economic growth, reaching 4.9% in 2025, with expectations of matching or surpassing this rate in the current year. Additionally, he underscored Morocco’s status as a reliable, respected, and listened-to international actor. The speech, however, drew criticism from many Moroccans who felt it overlooked pressing issues such as deep inequality, endemic institutional corruption, and the severe problem of youth unemployment. Social unrest has become widespread in Morocco, culminating in mass protests by the so-called Generation Z in late 2025. These demonstrations spread nationwide, with young people expressing frustration over the complex economic situation, the deterioration of public services, and the concentration of major investments in infrastructure for large-scale events like the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco is vying to host against Spain. Despite these challenges, King Mohammed VI seems to be enjoying a particularly tranquil Throne Day celebration. Social problems appear to take a backseat as the monarchy celebrates progress toward its unwavering goal of consolidating Moroccan identity in Western Sahara, a key factor in internal cohesion and a powerful driver of nationalism. The relationship between Morocco and Washington is also experiencing a notable upswing. The alignment and strategic alliance forged between King Mohammed VI and former U.S. President Donald Trump have elevated Morocco to an unprecedented geopolitical prominence, allowing the king to indulge in considerable self-satisfaction. As Trump neared the end of his first term, he announced in late 2020 that he recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, marking a shift from decades of neutral U.S. policy regarding the former Spanish colony. Although President Joe Biden has remained largely silent on the Sahrawi issue, he did not reverse the course set by his predecessor. However, it was Trump’s return to the White House that ultimately secured the definitive victory for Morocco’s aspirations. The U.S. diplomatic machinery worked tirelessly to ensure that the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution in the fall that represented the last major betrayal of the Sahrawi people and constituted a remarkable triumph for Morocco’s territorial claims. This resolution embraced the notion that autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty could serve as a viable solution to a conflict that has persisted for more than half a century. This occurred amidst a broader trend where several nations, including Spain and France, have aligned themselves with Morocco, influenced both by effective financial diplomacy and the weight of the American position. Although the dispute remains unresolved, Morocco effectively exercises full sovereignty over Western Sahara, an entity increasingly blurred within the framework of the larger Moroccan vision. The collaboration with the Trump administration has proven invaluable. Recently, the U.S. ambassador to Morocco, businessman Richard Duke Buchan III, announced a new phase in bilateral relations, highlighting enhanced cooperation in economic areas and other fields.