U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Iraq's prime minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi, and said that the United States supports his candidacy [1].
The endorsement signals a strategic effort by the U.S. to ensure the leadership in Baghdad remains aligned with American interests. By backing al-Zaidi, the administration aims to diminish Iranian influence in the region, and protect U.S. strategic interests regarding Iraq's oil revenues [2].
Trump said that Ali al-Zaidi secured his candidacy "with our help," and said that Washington supports him "very strongly" [2]. The president also confirmed he spoke with the prime minister-designate to voice this support [3].
Reports on the timing of the endorsement vary. US News reported that Trump gave his blessing on April 30, 2026 [1], while other reports indicate the nomination process continued into early May [2]. NBC News said that Iraq's dominant parliamentary bloc nominated al-Zaidi following weeks of internal debate [4].
As part of the endorsement, Trump invited al-Zaidi to visit Washington [1]. This invitation follows a broader U.S. policy of applying pressure on Iraq to distance itself from Tehran, and maintain transparency over oil-related finances [5].
Trump said, "I spoke with Iraq PM-designate, voices strong support" [3]. The administration's involvement in the selection process underscores a direct approach to Middle Eastern diplomacy—one that prioritizes leaders who will actively counter regional adversaries.
“Ali al-Zaidi secured his candidacy 'with our help,' and Washington supports him 'very strongly.'”
This endorsement represents a shift toward more overt U.S. involvement in the internal political appointments of Iraq. By explicitly claiming a role in securing al-Zaidi's candidacy, the Trump administration is leveraging its influence to create a buffer against Iran and secure economic stability regarding oil exports, potentially complicating Iraq's delicate balancing act between Washington and Tehran.
