Morocco’s Trump‑linked ties questioned after deadly Ceuta border surge

More than 70,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in a sudden, deadly surge, prompting international alarm. Moroccan authorities named a $1 billion highway after former U.S. President Donald Trump, a move that has drawn scrutiny over the close Washington‑Rabat relationship.

Analysts, including Riccardo Fabiani of the International Crisis Group, suggest Morocco may have benefited from the incident to gain support from its U.S. allies, though no clear motive has been identified. U.S. officials blamed Spain’s socialist government for the crisis, while Trump warned that a Democratic victory could make the event appear “small”. The episode has heightened tensions over the disputed Western Sahara region and raised questions about Morocco’s role in the border opening.