President Donald Trump has selected Mark Savaya, an entrepreneur who owns a marijuana company, as his special envoy for Iraq.
Trump announced the pick in a Truth Social statement on Sunday, in which he pointed to Savaya’s “deep understanding” of U.S. relations with the country, as well as his past work on Trump’s campaign in Michigan, a key swing state.
“I’m pleased to announce Mark Savaya will serve as Special Envoy to the Republic of Iraq. Mark’s deep understanding of the Iraq-U.S. relationship, and his connections in the region, will help advance the interests of the American people. Mark was a key player in my campaign in Michigan, where he, and others, helped secure a record vote with Muslim Americans. Congratulations, Mark!” Trump posted.
Savaya is the owner of Leaf and Bud, a marijuana dispensary described as the largest in the Detroit area.
He is also seemingly very close to Trump and his team, with his Instagram featuring many photos of him with the president. One Detroit reporter also detailed past donations from Savaya to Trump, including roughly $25,000 to his unsuccessful 2020 campaign.
While Trump has not publicly discussed Iraq as much as other Middle Eastern countries during the first year of his second term, his attention has very much been focused on the region.
ISRAEL STRIKES GAZA AND HALTS HUMANITARIAN AID AFTER CLAIMING HAMAS VIOLATED CEASEFIRE
Most recently, he struck a landmark peace deal between Israel and Hamas in a war that stretched on for about two years. That deal seemed in jeopardy earlier on Sunday, after Israel claimed Hamas terrorists fired at IDF troops.
Israel responded to the alleged violation of the ceasefire by launching strikes and halting humanitarian aid in Gaza, though the IDF later said it had “begun the renewed enforcement of the ceasefire, in line with the terms of the agreement.”