Trump Issues Ultimatum to Iraq Over Potential Return of Nouri al-Maliki
In a significant development in US-Iraq relations, former President Donald Trump has publicly threatened to cut American support for Iraq if the country reinstates former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The warning came through a post on Trump's Truth Social platform on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, where he expressed strong opposition to Maliki's potential return to power.
A "Very Bad Choice" According to Trump
Trump stated that he was "hearing" about Iraq's consideration of bringing Maliki back as prime minister, describing it as a "very bad choice." He attributed Iraq's past struggles directly to Maliki's leadership, claiming that his previous tenure from 2006 to 2014 plunged the nation into "poverty and total chaos." Trump emphasized that Maliki's policies and ideologies were "insane" and warned of severe consequences if he were elected again.
"Because of his insane policies and ideologies, if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq," Trump wrote in his social media post. He further asserted, "If we are not there to help, Iraq has ZERO chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom." The former president concluded his message with the slogan "MAKE IRAQ GREAT AGAIN," echoing his famous campaign phrase.
Background on Maliki's Candidacy and Past Tenure
This warning comes after Iraq's Shi'ite political bloc alliance, which holds a parliamentary majority, announced last week that it had nominated former Prime Minister Maliki for the position. Maliki's previous term as prime minister was marked by:
- Severe sectarian violence that destabilized the country
- Political instability that hampered governance and development
- The rise of Islamic State, which seized large parts of Iraq in 2014
- Economic challenges that Trump described as leading to "poverty"
Trump's intervention highlights the ongoing influence of US politics on Middle Eastern affairs, particularly regarding leadership choices in strategic partner nations. The former president's statement suggests he views Maliki's potential return as a threat to regional stability and American interests in the area.
Implications for US-Iraq Relations
This public ultimatum from a former US president carries significant weight for several reasons:
- It demonstrates Trump's continued engagement in foreign policy matters despite no longer holding office
- It places pressure on Iraq's political decision-making process regarding leadership selection
- It signals potential shifts in US support depending on Iraq's domestic political choices
- It reflects ongoing American concerns about stability and governance in Iraq
The development comes at a critical juncture for Iraq as it navigates complex political dynamics and seeks to balance domestic priorities with international relationships. Trump's warning adds another layer to the already complicated geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, where US influence remains substantial despite changing administrations.
