Trump: If Nuri al-Maliki is re-elected as prime minister in Iraq, we will cut off aid.

27.01.2026 23:50

U.S. President Donald Trump made a statement regarding the possibility of Nuri al-Maliki being re-elected as prime minister in Iraq, saying, "Maliki drove the country into poverty and complete chaos during his last time in power. This must not happen again." Trump also threatened that the U.S. would no longer provide aid to Iraq if Maliki were to assume the prime minister's seat.

US President Donald Trump reacted to the possibility of Nuri al-Maliki being re-elected as Prime Minister in Iraq.

THREAT TO CUT AID

In a statement made through his social media platform, Trump said, "I hear that Iraq could make a very bad choice by reappointing Nuri al-Maliki as Prime Minister. Maliki, during his last time in power, had led the country into poverty and complete chaos. This must not be allowed to happen again."

The US President also threatened that the US would no longer provide aid to Iraq if Maliki took the Prime Minister's seat, emphasizing, "Let's make Iraq great again."

THE LARGEST GROUP IN PARLIAMENT NOMINATED A PRIME MINISTER CANDIDATE

According to the political equation in Iraq after 2003, the president is elected from among the candidates of the Kurdish parties. This position was held by members of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) along with the late former President Jalal Talabani.

On the other hand, the Coordination Framework, composed of Shia party leaders who won the general elections held on November 11, 2025, announced former Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki as the Prime Minister candidate as the largest group in Parliament.

The presidential election session expected to be held today in the Iraqi Parliament was postponed due to insufficient numbers.