Trump names his new special envoy to Iraq — a MAGA influencer who ran a chain of marijuana dispensaries
MAGA influencer appointed new special envoy to Iraq
- Donald Trump has appointed Mark Savaya, a Detroit pot shop magnate and Instagram influencer, as his administration's new Special Envoy to the Republic of Iraq.
- Trump announced the appointment on Truth Social, citing Savaya's understanding of the Iraq-US relationship, regional connections, and his role in securing Muslim American votes for Trump's Michigan campaign.
- Savaya, who has no prior government experience, founded Leaf and Bud, a chain of marijuana dispensaries known for aggressive billboard advertising that led to city ordinances.
- Reports indicate some of Savaya's Leaf and Bud locations have closed, and references to him, including 'The Mark Savaya Collection', have been removed from the company's website.
- The appointment comes despite Trump's personal opposition to drug use, though he has recently softened his stance on recreational marijuana while advocating for severe penalties for drug traffickers.