The BareStory
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will terminate support for Iraq if former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is reinstated for a third term. Writing on Truth Social earlier this week, Trump characterized al-Maliki as a "very bad choice" and claimed his previous leadership resulted in "poverty and total chaos." The President stated that if al-Maliki returns to power, the U.S. would no longer help the country, asserting that Iraq would have no chance of success without American assistance.
The warning comes as the Coordination Framework, the largest bloc in the Iraqi parliament, has moved to nominate al-Maliki following legislative elections held in November 2025. However, a parliamentary session scheduled for Tuesday to elect a new president—a necessary step to appoint the prime minister—was canceled after failing to reach a quorum. On Wednesday, al-Maliki responded to the President's comments, rejecting them as "blatant U.S. interference" in Iraq's internal affairs and a violation of the nation's sovereignty.
U.S. officials have expressed concern regarding Iranian influence over the potential new government. On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani that a government controlled by Iran could not prioritize Iraq's interests. State Department officials have indicated the administration opposes al-Maliki’s bid due to his perceived close ties to Tehran.
Al-Maliki previously resigned in 2014 amid the rise of the Islamic State and pressure from domestic and international critics. Beyond direct foreign assistance, which totaled approximately $31 million in 2025, the U.S. holds significant economic leverage because Iraq’s government oil revenue is processed through the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Analysts suggest these funds could be restricted if Washington views the Baghdad government as acting on behalf of Iran.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• Taxpayer-funded aid to Iraq, totaling roughly $31 million in 2025, may cease if the administration enacts its threat to terminate support over the potential reinstatement of Nouri al-Maliki.
• The Federal Reserve Bank of New York could be directed to restrict Iraq’s access to its government oil revenues, utilizing the U.S. banking system as a mechanism for diplomatic leverage.
• Diplomatic relations with Baghdad may deteriorate, as U.S. officials have stated they will not support a government they view as acting on behalf of Iranian interests.
• Future U.S. involvement in the region may decrease significantly, as the President has asserted that the United States would stop helping Iraq entirely if the former prime minister returns.
