Trump says US will 'no longer help Iraq' if it picks Maliki as PM

January 28, 2026

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's criticism following his nomination as the ruling Shia coalition's candidate for prime minister, calling American comments interference in Iraq's sovereignty. Trump declared Maliki a "very bad choice" and threatened to withdraw U.S. support if he takes office, citing concerns about his Iranian connections and his previous tenure from 2006-2014, which was characterized by sectarian strife and the rise of the Islamic State. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed these worries, emphasizing that an Iranian-controlled government cannot prioritize Iraqi interests.

Who is affected

Nouri Maliki (former Iraqi PM and current nominee)
The Iraqi government and ruling Shia coalition parties
Incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani
Iraqi citizens (particularly Sunnis, Kurds, and Shia communities)
Iran and Iranian-linked groups operating in Iraq
The United States and its diplomatic/military interests in Iraq
The Shia Co-ordination Framework (ruling coalition)

What action is being taken

The Shia Co-ordination Framework is nominating Maliki for prime minister
Trump is threatening to end U.S. support for Iraq
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is making calls to Iraqi leadership expressing concerns about Iranian influence
Trump is publicly criticizing Maliki on Truth Social
Maliki is rejecting U.S. interference through statements on X

Why it matters

This situation matters because it represents a potential major shift in U.S.-Iraq relations and regional power dynamics in the Middle East. Maliki's return to power could strengthen Iranian influence in Iraq, which Washington views as a threat to regional stability and American interests. His previous tenure was marked by sectarian violence and the collapse of Iraqi forces against ISIS, raising concerns about Iraq's future stability. The open U.S. intervention in Iraq's democratic process also raises questions about Iraqi sovereignty and could inflame anti-American sentiment in the country.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC