Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has very publicly rejected President Trump’s demand he be prevented from returning to power, declaring it “blatant American interference in Iraq’s internal affairs,” and a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. Maliki is something of a controversial choice, though he has been endorsed by both Shi’ite and Kurdish groups. President Trump, however, insinuated America into this situation with a post on Truth Social Tuesday, denouncing Maliki’s “insane policies and ideologies” and declaring he can’t be allowed to return to power. Trump warned that if Iraq didn’t block Maliki outright, the United States would end all support for Iraq going forward. This adds to the threats made previously that the US might withhold Iraq’s oil revenue if the government including “pro-Iran” figures.