Trump says US exit from Iraq a ‘victory’ for both countries

This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. End of dialog window. President Trump touted the final withdrawal of U. S. troops from Iraq as a win for both countries more than 20 years after the start of the Iraq War. “It’s a victory for the United States, it’s a victory for Iraq and a decisive victory over ISIS, which has been completely decimated,” Trump said speaking at a Hispanic Heritage Month event at the White House on Wednesday. Trump’s comments echoed those he made in a Truth Social post prior to the event. “I had a choice to stay or to leave, and felt, without question, that it was time for America to go home!” the president wrote. He also voiced his support for Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who was elected to his post in May. Al-Zaidi met with Trump at the White House in July. Trump’s comments come after U. S. Central Command (Centcom) announced the departure of U. S. forces from Iraq, marking an end to its 12-year military mission. Centcom said that all U. S. forces and military equipment left Erbil Air Base in the northern part of the country and that a “transition “to a U. S.-Iraq bilateral defense relationship” would begin. Centcom head Adm. Brad Cooper said in a statement that “full primary responsibility for Iraq’s security to the government and Iraq and the brave people of Iraq,” while U. S. troops in the region will maintain “vigilance and readiness” in “protecting the U. S. homeland and strengthening regional security.” The U. S. invaded Iraq in 2003, toppling dictator Saddam Hussein. The war went on for years after former President George W. Bush, who led the U. S. effort without a formal declaration of war, departed the White House. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.