Trump Threatens To Withdraw U.S. Support If Al-Maliki Returns
Trump warned Iraq that the U.S. would end support if Nouri al-Maliki is reinstated as prime minister.
Overview
President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that the United States would end support for Iraq if former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is reinstated after the Coordination Framework nominated him.
The intervention comes amid U.S. concern about Iranian influence in Baghdad, with State Department principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott saying Secretary of State Marco Rubio told caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani that Washington was worried about a pro-Iran government.
Iraq President Abdul Latif Rashid congratulated Nouri al-Maliki on his nomination in a statement, while a spokesperson for al-Maliki did not immediately respond to requests for comment, officials said.
Iraq held nationwide parliamentary elections in November for 329 seats, with Shiite alliances winning 187 seats and the Coordination Framework emerging as the largest Shia bloc, election results show.
The Trump administration has warned it could impose sanctions on Iraqi politicians who include Iran-backed armed groups, and U.S. Central Command confirmed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three warships have arrived in the Middle East, raising speculation about possible military options, administration officials said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as U.S. security-driven and Iran-focused, stressing Trump’s intervention and historical critiques of al‑Maliki while foregrounding Washington’s perspective. Editorial choices—wording like “threat” and background on Maliki’s sectarian record, plus lack of Iraqi or pro‑Maliki voices—shape a skeptical narrative. Direct quotes (Trump, State Dept) remain source content.
Sources (6)
FAQ
Nouri al-Maliki is Iraq's former prime minister who resigned in 2014 amid the Islamic State's rise. Trump opposes his return, warning it would bring chaos and poverty as during his previous term, and posted on Truth Social that the U.S. would end support for Iraq if he is reinstated.[1]
The Coordination Framework is an alliance of Shiite-led parties that emerged as the largest Shia bloc after winning seats in Iraq's November parliamentary elections. It nominated Maliki as its candidate for prime minister, citing his experience.[1]
The U.S. is concerned about Iranian influence in Baghdad, with warnings against a pro-Iran government. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed worries to Iraq's caretaker PM, and the administration has threatened sanctions on politicians tied to Iran-backed groups.[1]
After November elections, parliament elected a speaker on Dec. 29. It must select a president within 30 days to task a prime minister designate. A session for Kurdish presidential nominees was postponed, with Maliki as frontrunner but facing Sunni opposition.[1]
U.S. Central Command confirmed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three warships arrived in the Middle East, amid speculation of possible military options and warnings of sanctions.[1]
History
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