Overview

• Trump announced the appointment on Sunday on Truth Social, citing Savaya’s regional ties and his role in the Michigan campaign.
• Savaya posted that he felt "deeply humbled, honored and grateful" and pledged to strengthen the U.S.–Iraq partnership.
• The appointee founded Leaf & Bud, a Detroit-area cannabis chain known for billboard-heavy marketing along 8 Mile that prompted a city advertising ordinance.
• Reporting notes no prior government service on Savaya’s LinkedIn, as well as roughly $25,000 in past donations to Trump and frequent public ties to Trump-world figures.
• The move comes as the administration pursues regional diplomacy, including a recently signed Israel–Hamas peace agreement reported by multiple outlets.