U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed Mark Savaya, a Detroit-based marijuana entrepreneur, as Washington’s new special envoy to Iraq, citing his influence and support during the 2024 presidential election.
Savaya, the founder of Leaf and Bud, an indoor cannabis cultivation company with widespread visibility in Michigan, was credited by Trump for mobilizing votes among Arab-American communities during his campaign.
“Mark’s deep understanding of the Iraq–U.S. relationship and his network in the region will strengthen American interests,” Trump announced Sunday via his Truth Social account. “He played a vital role in Michigan, helping deliver record support from Muslim Americans.”
Although Savaya is not Muslim, he hails from the Chaldean community, a Christian minority with roots in Iraq.
Observers note that the appointment comes despite Iraq’s strict anti-drug laws, which include the death penalty for large-scale drug trafficking.
Trump, who has leaned heavily on appointing special envoys—positions that bypass Senate confirmation—also nominated Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib as ambassador to Kuwait. However, Ghalib’s nomination remains stalled in the Senate over his past remarks on Israel.
Expressing gratitude for his appointment, Savaya posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“I’m honored to serve under President Trump’s leadership and remain committed to strengthening U.S.–Iraq relations.”
Trump’s latest diplomatic choices reflect his continued outreach to Arab-American communities and his preference for loyal allies over traditional diplomats.
