Peregraf — U.S. President Donald Trump has warned against the possible return of former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, saying such a move would be a “very bad choice” for Iraq and would have serious consequences for relations with Washington.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he was hearing that Iraq “might make a very bad choice by reinstalling Nouri al-Maliki as Prime Minister,” recalling that during al-Maliki’s previous term the country “descended into poverty and total chaos.” He added that such a scenario “should not be allowed to happen again.”
Trump warned that if al-Maliki were to return to power, the United States would withdraw its support for Iraq. “Because of his insane policies and ideologies, if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq,” Trump wrote, adding that without U.S. assistance Iraq would have “ZERO chance of success, prosperity, or freedom.” He ended the post with the slogan: “MAKE IRAQ GREAT AGAIN!”
Trump’s remarks come as Iraqi political forces continue negotiations to form a new government.
On January 24, Iraq’s Coordination Framework announced it had nominated Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate for prime minister following an expanded leadership meeting held at the office of Hadi al-Amiri. The bloc said the decision was approved by a majority vote, citing al-Maliki’s political and administrative experience, and reaffirmed its commitment to the constitutional process.
Al-Maliki served as Iraq’s prime minister from 2006 to 2014, a period marked by deep political divisions, economic challenges, and severe security crises, including the rise of ISIS. His possible return has sparked renewed debate inside Iraq and concern among international partners.
Trump’s Truth Social post highlights growing international attention to Iraq’s leadership choices at a critical moment, as the country works to form a new government amid political deadlock and regional tensions.