Fact Check: Did Trump Claim He’d Form Iraq’s Next Government?
A recent claim circulating on social media alleges that former U.S. President Donald Trump stated he would be the one to form the next Iraqi government. However, a fact-check by Annahar reveals this statement is fabricated. The news outlet investigated the claim and found it to be untrue.
The Investigation
The investigation involved several steps:
- A search of Trump’s social media accounts, including Truth Social, and official sources such as the White House, the U.S. Department of War, and the U.S. Department of State, along with U.S. media outlets, revealed no such statement from Trump.
- Reviewing the Fourth Channel’s pages showed that they did not publish the statement. The original news template, which was modified, was initially posted on the channel’s X account on October 29th. The original post quoted a Republican Party member on the matter of the Iraqi government.
Context and Analysis
The fabricated statement emerged amid rising tensions in Iraqi politics, particularly as the upcoming parliamentary elections on November 11th approached. Discussions around foreign influence in forming the next government, specifically from Iran and the United States, have intensified. The spread of this false statement aimed to amplify the debate and portray the U.S. as exerting control over the political process. This narrative serves those who view the elections as subject to external influence.
The timing of the claim also coincided with the appointment of Mark Savaya as Trump’s envoy to Iraq. Some pages exploited this appointment to suggest direct interference in forming the government.
Statements from Officials
U.S. envoy Mark Savaya stated that the Iraqi leadership has taken significant steps over the past three years to guide the country in the right direction. He noted that Iraq is re-emerging as a sovereign state, working to reduce external influences, and focusing on the government’s control over weapons. Savaya also highlighted the importance of Iraq’s sovereignty, free from external interference, and dedicated to serving its citizens.
Tom Harb, a member of the Republican Party, noted that the appointment of Mark Savaya reflects Washington’s desire to reshape its policy toward Baghdad, aiming to limit Iranian influence and restore balance in the region. Harb emphasized that the U.S. seeks a partnership based on mutual interests. He added that the U.S. does not interfere in elections, leaving the decision to the Iraqi people.
Conclusion
The claim that Donald Trump stated he would form the next Iraqi government is false. The investigation found no evidence supporting the claim, confirming it as fabricated.
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