US Appoints Marijuana Dispensary Founder Mark Savaya As Envoy To Iraq

Last Updated:October 20, 2025, 01:52 IST

Trump named Mark Savaya, founder of Leaf and Bud in Detroit, as Special Envoy to Iraq, citing his regional ties and campaign role with Muslim Americans in Michigan.

US President Donald Trump. (Image: X/@WhiteHouse)

US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced Mark Savaya, founder of a Detroit-area marijuana dispensary, as his special envoy to Iraq.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: “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!" he added.

According to New York Times, Savaya’s dispensary, Leaf and Bud, has conducted an aggressive marketing campaign with numberous street billboards on Detroit’s 8 Mile Road that prompted moves to ban such ads.

Recently, US President Donald Trump imposed 35% tariff on Iraq.

According to Atlantic Council, this was lower than the initial rate of 39% that the Trump administration announced on “Liberation Day" back in April, but higher than the revised 10% base rate that applied to all countries when the Trump administration paused “Liberation Day" tariffs for 90 days, allowing room for negotiations that expired in July.

News world US Appoints Marijuana Dispensary Founder Mark Savaya As Envoy To Iraq

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