1. Revive the Abraham Accords. The Mecca defence agreement has brought Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan together. Washington now needs an equally visible advance for normalisation and commerce. Recognising Somaliland and bringing it into the Abraham Accords would show that making peace attracts partners as effectively as promising mutual defence. An African Muslim democracy already recognised by Israel offers Trump that opening.
2. Move some Gulf bases to Berbera. Berbera lies roughly 2,000 kilometres from Iran, offering greater distance from Iranian launch sites than America's Gulf bases, several of which have already come under Iranian attack. That distance could make selected US facilities easier to defend against direct Iranian strikes. Washington should move some basing functions to Berbera, gaining strategic depth while retaining access to the Gulf of Aden.
3. Secure a presidential legacy. Bush recognised Kosovo, Obama recognised South Sudan, and Biden recognised the Cook Islands and Niue. Trump can recognise thirty five years of sovereign government built since Somaliland restored independence in 1991. Its state continuity gives him a lasting achievement grounded in Somalilanders' work.
4. Secure Bab al Mandab. Berbera offers access to the Gulf of Aden approach to a vital maritime chokepoint. Negotiate replenishment, surveillance and coastguard cooperation to protect commercial shipping against Houthi attacks. Recognition would establish the sovereign partnership; operational agreements would turn it into maritime capability.
5. Make Ilhan Omar crash out again. Omar has defended Washington's policy on Somalia's borders, including its treatment of Somaliland. Trump can overturn that policy through a decision serving American interests. Her preferred position would lose on its merits. The political rebuke would come with a strategic gain.
6. Win before the midterms. Recognition is a presidential power. Trump can exercise it before November without invading or occupying another country. Direct State, Defense and Commerce to present a costed implementation plan within ninety days, identifying agreements and funding needed to turn the diplomatic victory into practical gains.
7. Sign a minerals deal. Use Somaliland's exploration licensing system to pursue critical mineral opportunities. Make independent geological surveys and transparent licences the first deliverables of an American partnership. Commercial commitments should follow verified deposits. Recognition would strengthen diplomatic support for investors while Somaliland retains authority over its resources.
8. Let Somalia focus its full capacity. Contrary to the common argument, recognition would let Somalia focus its full political, military and financial capacity on fighting al Shabaab and governing itself. Hillary Clinton's premature recognition of its government in 2013 rewarded promise over performance. Mogadishu seems most like a functioning state when claiming Somaliland; its prime minister's office even warned recognition undermines counterterrorism. Khartoum's present war hardly makes a case for adding South Sudan to its responsibilities. Somalia, likewise, cannot rebuild by claiming a country it has not governed since 1991. Close the chapter, remove the excuse, and demand results.
9. Back Taiwan's African partner. Somaliland and Taiwan's coastguard agreement provides a practical starting point for American support. Offer joint training and maritime coordination. Recognition would signal that choosing cooperation with Taiwan earns lasting partnerships, strengthening resistance to Beijing's diplomatic isolation campaign.
One signature opens nine doors. Walk through them.