Morocco's Strategic Lobbying Efforts in the U.S.
In a significant maneuver to assert its influence in Washington, Morocco has declared payments and signed contracts for lobbying and public relations worth at least $2.1 million since January 2025. This proactive approach coincides with a rising proposal in Congress concerning the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, as well as criticisms from the Trump administration directed at the Spanish government led by Pedro Sánchez. The backdrop of these developments is the ongoing migration crisis, which has seen tens of thousands of individuals crossing from Morocco into Spanish territory.
The Trump administration's stance has been unequivocally critical of Spain while refraining from holding Morocco accountable for the mass migration. Instead, it has placed the blame squarely on Spain's policies, describing the situation as a "direct result of the deliberate efforts by the Spanish government to facilitate illegal mass immigration into Europe." Notably, Donald Trump characterized the images of the migration crisis as "terrible," using them as a platform to warn about potential outcomes in the United States should the Democrats regain power. The Spanish government recently reported that nearly 70,000 out of approximately 72,000 individuals who entered have already been returned to Morocco.
Contrast in Diplomatic Strategies
The stark difference in lobbying strategies between Morocco and Spain is evident. While Morocco has established a robust network of firms, consultants, and lucrative contracts to bolster its position among U.S. Republicans as a crucial ally in matters of immigration, terrorism, and regional security, Spain has not matched these efforts. Madrid has not launched a comparable influence campaign nor has it recently hired lobbyists to advocate for its interests before the Trump administration and Congress. The Spanish response has been largely limited to conventional diplomatic channels through its embassy, characterized by a subdued political presence and limited capacity for dialogue.
Since January 2025, when Trump assumed the presidency for a second term, the Moroccan government and its embassy have disclosed payments and contracts related to government relations and communication in Washington totaling at least $2 million. Documentation reviewed reveals that $940,000 corresponds to declared payments, while the remaining $1.2 million reflects the projected value of two contracts. This investment in promoting Morocco's interests underscores a strategic commitment to shaping perceptions and securing support in U.S. policymaking circles, aiming to reinforce its stance amid complex geopolitical dynamics.
As reported by elcorreo.com.
