In a controversial move, former US President Donald Trump has named Mark Sawaya, a Michigan businessman and social media influencer known for promoting marijuana, as the Special Envoy to Iraq.

Trump Praises Sawaya

Trump described Sawaya as a “wise man” and highlighted his regional connections, tweeting:
"I am pleased to announce that Sawaya will serve as Special Envoy to Iraq. Mark’s deep understanding of US relations and his contacts in the region will help advance the interests of the American people."

Sawaya’s Background

Mark Sawaya runs Leaf & Bud, a chain of marijuana retail stores in Michigan. The business has been promoted heavily on Instagram and other platforms. Marijuana has been legal in Michigan since 2018.

However, Sawaya has no prior government experience, raising questions about his appointment to such a sensitive diplomatic role.

US-Iraq Relations Context

Relations between the US and Iraq have been deteriorating in recent years. Iraq has increasingly resisted US interference, while US strategic influence in the Middle East faces new challenges. Recently, Iraq signed an agreement with Iran, allowing Iran to defend against external threats within Iraqi territory—an arrangement that complicates US-Iraq-Israel dynamics.

Controversy Surrounding the Appointment

Experts and analysts are questioning how a private entrepreneur with no diplomatic background was appointed to a high-level envoy position in a geopolitically sensitive region. Critics argue that this could have implications for US-Iraq relations, especially amid rising regional tensions.