Days after his appointment as US Special Envoy to Iraq, Iraqi-American businessman Mark Savaya confirmed that he wants to "make Iraq great again," inspired by US President Donald Trump's famous slogan.
Savaya told the Chaldean Press newspaper, "I want to make Iraq great again."
He also indicated that he wants to "achieve peace and stability in the country by building strong bridges with the United States."
He emphasized that "Iraq is improving day by day, with no limits to its potential."
Trump had surprisingly announced in a post on his Truth Social account last Sunday that Savaya would serve as Special Envoy to Iraq.
This appointment has sparked controversy and questions given Savaya's unconventional background. The man, who runs a chain of marijuana stores in Michigan, is known for his bold billboard advertisements, including one that reads, "Come and get it. Free marijuana," according to The Independent. Savaya owns the Leaf & Bud chain of marijuana retail stores in Center Line, Hazel Park, and Livernois, west of Detroit.
He also has no prior government or diplomatic experience, although Trump has praised him for his deep understanding of US-Iraqi relations and his contributions to his campaign, particularly in winning Muslim-American votes in Michigan.
Trump's envoy to Baghdad: I want to make Iraq great again
