Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States would pull its support from Iraq if Nouri al-Maliki is reinstated as the country’s prime minister.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump criticised al-Maliki’s past leadership, saying: “Because of (al-Maliki’s) insane policies and ideologies, if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq. If we are not there to help, Iraq has ZERO chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom.”
Trump recalled al-Maliki’s previous term from 2006 to 2014, claiming that Iraq “descended into poverty and total chaos” under his rule. He added that Iraq would be making “a very bad choice” by reinstating the former prime minister.
The warning comes two and a half months after parliamentary elections in Iraq, when the ruling Shiite alliance nominated al-Maliki as its candidate for prime minister. The Iraqi parliament was scheduled to elect a new president on Tuesday, who would then formally nominate the prime minister. However, the vote was postponed amid disagreements over the presidential candidate.
Al-Maliki, 75, has faced criticism for poor governance and allegations of corruption. Many in Iraq blame him for creating conditions that allowed the extremist militia Islamic State (IS) to gain ground. His Shiite party alliance is also noted for its close ties to neighbouring Iran.
Iraq remains fragile more than two decades after the U.S. invasion that overthrew Saddam Hussein and years of IS terrorist rule. The country continues to struggle with ethnic and religious tensions, corruption, and ongoing violence, while both the U.S. and Iran compete for influence.
Observers say Trump’s comments reflect ongoing U.S. concerns about Iraq’s political stability and the potential implications of al-Maliki’s return to power.
