Days after his appointment as the U.S. Special Envoy to Iraq, Iraqi-American businessman Mark Savaya declared his ambition to “make Iraq great again,” echoing President Donald Trump’s well-known campaign slogan.
In remarks to Chaldean Press, Savaya said his goal is to help “achieve peace and stability in Iraq by building strong bridges with the United States,” adding that the country is “improving day by day, with no limits to its potential.”
Trump had announced Savaya’s appointment on Truth Social last Sunday, a move that sparked debate given Savaya’s unconventional background.
The Michigan-based entrepreneur runs the Leaf & Bud chain of marijuana retail stores in Center Line, Hazel Park, and Livernois, and is known for his bold advertising — including billboards offering “Free marijuana.”
Despite having no previous diplomatic or government experience, Trump praised Savaya’s “deep understanding of U.S.-Iraqi relations” and credited him with helping attract Muslim-American voters in Michigan during his campaign.
