Ceuta and Melilla: Why Trump Could Recognize Morocco’s Sovereignty

Michael Rubin, a historian and researcher at the American Enterprise Institute, argues in an opinion piece published by the Middle East Forum that the United States should support ending the “Spanish occupation.” He condemns Madrid’s position, describing it as a persistent colonial power on the African continent.

Read more: Trump’s threats against Spain: Morocco poised to reclaim US logistical infrastructure

The former Bush administration official highlights the irony of the current diplomatic narrative promoted by Pedro Sánchez’s government. According to Rubin, while Spain portrays Israel as an aggressor, it continues to act as an expansionist power by maintaining colonies on the other side of the Strait of Gibraltar, reports El Español.

This media offensive is supported by other experts, such as academic José Lev Álvarez Gómez. The latter suggests using the military imbalance in the strait to pressure Spain, noting that Morocco has modernized with Western systems while Madrid has turned to Chinese purchases.

In Washington, influential think tanks now present Rabat as an indispensable strategic partner. The Kingdom is described as a central hub linking North Africa, the Sahel and the Atlantic region, playing a crucial role in the fight against terrorism and migration management.

Beyond security, analyses highlight Morocco’s economic transformation in the automotive, aerospace and green hydrogen sectors. This energy transition places the country at the heart of debates over the global energy security sought by the United States.

Read more: Tanger Med, the big winner of the US - Iran crisis? The port is becoming the hub of global trade

For these observers, Donald Trump should recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over its northern cities, as he did for Western Sahara. They believe Morocco has proven its reliability, unlike Spain, which some think tanks increasingly view as anti-American.