Al-Maliki is defiant after Trump threatens to withdraw US support for Iraq

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has expressed defiance after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw support for Iraq if he returns to power. On Wednesday, al-Maliki rejected what he called "blatant American interference" in Iraq’s affairs. Trump criticized al-Maliki in a social media post on Tuesday, blaming him for Iraq's past chaos and warning that U.S. support would end if he is elected. Washington views al-Maliki as too close to Iran. Al-Maliki's nomination follows the withdrawal of caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who stepped aside earlier this month.