President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the withdrawal of the last US coalition troops from Iraq represents a “victory” for the United States. He asserted that previous administrations made “wrong decisions” that initially led the US into a quagmire in the country.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that the last American forces are leaving Iraq! It has taken a long time, following some very poor decisions that led us to get stuck in this quagmire from the start, but soon all of this will be history,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, according to reports.
He described the day as significant for America, stating, “More importantly, we are leaving Iraq with a wonderful new Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, whom we supported from the beginning. He won the elections no one expected him to win and did so with a resounding victory!”
Trump reflected on the Operation Inherent Resolve, initiated in 2003 under President George W. Bush, continued by President Barack Obama in 2014, and overseen by President Joe Biden, claiming that it would conclude in 2026 under his administration. He emphasized that this moment is a victory for the US, a triumph for Iraq, and a decisive win over ISIS, which he claimed was completely decimated during his first term along with other dangerous actors.
Additionally, Trump compared this withdrawal with the controversial US exit from Afghanistan, stating, “Unlike Afghanistan, where much military equipment and other resources were left behind and 13 soldiers lost their lives, this orderly withdrawal of coalition forces and equipment from the Erbil airbase marks the end of an extremely costly expedition into Hell.”
He emphasized the clear mission, the necessary tools provided to commanders, and his refusal to allow a temporary presence to become permanent. “We had to choose between staying and leaving, and I felt, without a doubt, that it was time for America to come home!” Trump remarked. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Al-Zaidi would manage the situation effectively, adding, “We came to fight against a caliphate. The caliphate no longer exists. We are going home!”
