Trump Aims to Veto Maliki’s Return to Power in Iraq

Iraq’s Coordination Framework has nominated Nouri al-Maliki as their leader to attempt to form the next Iraqi government after November’s election. Maliki was Iraq’s premier from 2006 to 2014, and has led the State of Law bloc since then, trying to return to the position. Now, it seems, he’s on the verge of doing so.

President Trump, however, appears to be trying to veto that appointment, declaring on Truth Social that Maliki “should not be allowed” to return to power, and threatening to withhold all US support for Iraq if he does.

“If we are not there to help, Iraq has ZERO chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom,” Trump declared in the post, accusing Maliki of “insane policies and ideologies.” Maliki’s nomination had been spoken of favorably by a number of Shi’ite factions as well as Kurdish ones, suggesting that he has the votes, if indeed Trump isn’t able to order him replaced.