President Donald Trump has appointed Michigan cannabis entrepreneur Mark Savaya as Special Envoy to the Republic of Iraq. Savaya, known for his Leaf and Bud billboard campaign across Metro Detroit, announced the appointment on social media and said he looks forward to working on the U.S.-Iraq relationship, according to FOX 2 Detroit.
Sherif Savaya has been appointed by President Donald J. Trump as Special Envoy to the Republic of Iraq. “I am deeply humbled, honored and grateful to President Donald J. Trump for appointing me as Special Envoy to the Republic of Iraq,” Savaya said in a post cited by ClickOnDetroit. The President stated that Savaya’s understanding of the Iraq-U.S. relationship “will help advance the interests of the American people.” Savaya, a Chaldean American who immigrated from Iraq, was involved in Trump’s campaign by encouraging Muslim voter turnout in Michigan. He is expected to apply his regional ties in the envoy role, which deals with specific foreign relations issues. His previous experience includes leading a marijuana dispensary chain in Detroit.
Some members of the public have questioned President Trump’s appointment of Sam Savaya to a diplomatic role, with social media users asking “Why this guy?” as noted by Audacy. Savaya’s qualifications are not widely known, and his work in Iraq is expected to clarify his capabilities. Several of his Leaf and Bud cannabis stores have closed, with remaining locations in Center Line, Detroit, and Hazel Park. The appointment is consistent with previous selections in which Trump assigned Metro Detroit figures, including the former mayors of Dearborn Heights and Hamtramck, to ambassador positions.
