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Trump Invites Iraq's New PM-Designate Zaidi to Washington

5/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump invited Iraq’s prime-minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi to Washington, marking a U.S. endorsement after Trump opposed former premier Nouri al-Maliki.
Trump called Zaidi in Baghdad, saying the invitation will follow once he forms a government, after the Coordination Framework nominated the businessman—chair of Al-Janoob Islamic Bank—following the drop of Maliki.
Zaidi has 30 days to present a cabinet and must obtain 167 parliamentary votes to secure a confidence vote.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump invited Iraq’s prime-minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi to Washington, marking a U.S. endorsement after Trump opposed former premier Nouri al-Maliki.
Trump called Zaidi in Baghdad, saying the invitation will follow once he forms a government, after the Coordination Framework nominated the businessman—chair of Al-Janoob Islamic Bank—following the drop of Maliki.
Zaidi has 30 days to present a cabinet and must obtain 167 parliamentary votes to secure a confidence vote.