President Donald J. Trump issued a stark public warning to Iraq, cautioning that reinstalling former Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki would be a very bad choice that could plunge the country back into poverty and chaos. In a direct Truth Social post, Trump said that if Maliki returns to power, the United States would immediately cut off all assistance, leaving Iraq with what he described as zero chance of success, prosperity, or freedom. He closed his message with a familiar slogan, calling on Iraq to restore stability and strength.

Trump’s warning comes amid renewed political maneuvering in Baghdad, where Maliki, who served as prime minister from 2006 to 2014, has emerged as a possible contender in ongoing coalition talks following elections and continued government instability. Maliki’s time in office is widely associated with deep sectarian divisions, the alienation of Sunni and Kurdish communities, rampant corruption, and economic mismanagement. His leadership is also blamed by many for creating the conditions that allowed ISIS to seize large parts of Iraq in 2014, despite years of heavy U.S. investment and military support.

In his post, Trump was unequivocal about the consequences of a Maliki return. He said that during Maliki’s previous tenure, Iraq descended into poverty and chaos and warned that the same outcome would follow if he regained power. Trump argued that Maliki’s policies and ideology were directly responsible for Iraq’s failures and made clear that the United States would not continue supporting a government that repeats those mistakes.

Iraq remains strategically important to the United States as a key oil producer, a frontline state against ISIS remnants, and a counterweight to Iranian influence in the region. Maliki’s close ties to Tehran and his role in empowering Iran backed militias have long raised alarms in Washington. Trump’s warning sends a blunt message to Iraqi leaders that their political choices carry serious consequences and that U.S. support is not guaranteed if Iraq turns back to figures associated with past failure.