Story perspectives

Trump Welcomes Iraq’s New PM-Designate Ali al-Zaidi

5/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump called Iraq's prime-minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi, congratulated him and invited him to Washington after months of opposition to former premier Nouri al-Maliki.
The Coordination Framework, Iraq’s largest Shiite bloc with about 185 seats, nominated Zaidi as a consensus candidate, ending the deadlock.
The U.S. embassy in Baghdad welcomed Zaidi’s designation, citing goals of sovereignty, anti-terrorism and stability as his government seeks 167 parliamentary votes within 30 days.

History

Historical Context

In March 19, 2003 the United States launched a war that toppled Saddam Hussein, installed the Coalition Provisional Authority under Paul Bremer and began a U.S. occupation. The Bush administration’s White House Iraq Group coordinated the push for regime change, establishing a pattern of U.S. leaders backing Iraqi officials. Trump’s 2024 call to prime-minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi follows that same diplomatic precedent.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump called Iraq's prime-minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi, congratulated him and invited him to Washington after months of opposition to former premier Nouri al-Maliki.
The Coordination Framework, Iraq’s largest Shiite bloc with about 185 seats, nominated Zaidi as a consensus candidate, ending the deadlock.
The U.S. embassy in Baghdad welcomed Zaidi’s designation, citing goals of sovereignty, anti-terrorism and stability as his government seeks 167 parliamentary votes within 30 days.

1 / 2