Image: from TaraBull X@TaraBull
By Open Chronicle News Desk
WASHINGTON / BAGHDAD – U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to the Iraqi government on Tuesday, stating that Washington would withdraw all support and assistance if former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is reinstated to power. In a social media post, Trump characterized al-Maliki’s potential return as a “very bad choice” that could lead to the country’s collapse.
Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that re-electing Nouri al-Maliki as Prime Minister “should not be allowed to happen again. Because of his insane policies and ideologies.”
He added that if he were elected, Washington will no longer help Iraq, and “if we are not there to help,… pic.twitter.com/kAKEMGpQDo
— Channel 8 English (@Channel8English) January 27, 2026
Trump claimed that Iraq descended into “poverty and chaos” during al-Maliki’s previous tenure, which was marked by significant sectarian tension and the rise of extremist groups. “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. aid, the nation would have “zero chance of success, prosperity, or freedom.”
BREAKING: President Trump says the United States will no longer help Iraq if Nouri al-Maliki is elected Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/1TdMYwFUab
— TaraBull (@TaraBull) January 27, 2026
The warning comes as the Iraqi Parliament is scheduled to elect a new president on January 27, who will then be tasked with appointing a prime minister from the largest parliamentary bloc. While some Shia and Kurdish factions support al-Maliki’s nomination to expedite government formation, Sunni groups and international observers have expressed deep concerns over renewed sectarianism and increased Iranian influence in Baghdad.
In Washington, officials have long viewed al-Maliki’s close ties to Tehran as a risk to regional security and bilateral relations. The President’s ultimatum places significant pressure on Iraqi political leaders as they navigate a delicate transition period amid heightened global and regional instability.