Who is Mark Savaya? Donald Trump’s Special Envoy to Iraq Sparks Debate

United States President Donald Trump has appointed Detroit businessman Mark Savaya as his special envoy to Iraq, a move that has stirred political debate in both Washington and Baghdad.

Who is Mark Savaya?

Mark Savaya, 42, is a Michigan-based entrepreneur of Iraqi Chaldean descent. He was born in Detroit in 1983, and his family left Iraq in the 1990s. Savaya is best known for owning Leaf and Bud, a chain of cannabis dispensaries in Michigan.

He has no prior government or diplomatic experience, but Trump praised his “strong understanding of U.S.–Iraq relations” and his efforts to mobilize Muslim American voters during the 2024 presidential campaign.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: “Mark’s deep understanding of the Iraq–U.S. relationship and his regional connections will help advance American interests through diplomatic engagement.”

As special envoy, Savaya will represent U.S. interests in Iraq, coordinate joint initiatives, and maintain communication between both governments on security and economic priorities.

Iraqi Reaction to the Appointment

The appointment received mixed reactions in Iraq. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani welcomed the decision, calling it “an important step” and praising Savaya’s Iraqi heritage.

He said: “The appointment of a special envoy by President Trump is important, especially as he is of Iraqi origin. We wish him success in his mission.”

Leaders in the Kurdistan Region also responded positively. Nechirvan Barzani, President of Kurdistan, said the move highlighted “the strategic importance of Iraq and Kurdistan in advancing shared interests.”

Former Iraqi foreign minister Hoshyar Zebari called Savaya’s appointment “a bold decision to restore Iraqi sovereignty away from corruption and militia control.”

Praise and Criticism from Analysts

While some view the appointment as a fresh start in U.S.–Iraq relations, others questioned the move.
Iraqi analyst Falah Al-Mashaal said the decision to name a special envoy instead of a traditional ambassador was “unusual.”

He wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “A special envoy is normally sent for a crisis or a major message. Is President Trump planning something unusual for Iraq?”

He linked the appointment to Trump’s recent remarks at the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, where Trump criticized Iraq’s leaders for mismanaging the country’s oil wealth.

Connection to Elizabeth Tsurkov’s Release

The announcement came shortly after the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian researcher kidnapped in Baghdad in 2023 by the Kataib Hezbollah militia.

Tsurkov, freed on September 9, 2025, credited Mark Savaya for playing “an instrumental role” in her rescue, calling the move “bad news for anyone serving Iran’s interests in Iraq.”

Possible Political Motives

Experts believe the appointment could carry deeper political meaning.
Alex Warkes, an Iraqi analyst based in the U.K., said Savaya’s arrival may support Prime Minister Sudani’s bid for a second term, hinting that Trump’s team coordinated the move with Baghdad.

He added: “Trump’s Middle East policy has always prioritized Israeli interests, so it’s worth asking whether Savaya’s appointment aligns with that strategy.”

What Comes Next for U.S.–Iraq Relations

Savaya’s appointment signals renewed U.S. interest in Iraq’s oil sector and regional stability. His role could influence both Iraq’s internal politics and America’s future engagement in the Middle East.

Savaya said on X: “I am deeply humbled and grateful for the opportunity. I remain committed to strengthening the U.S.–Iraq partnership under President Trump’s leadership.”