US envoy for Iraq Savaya sacked as Maliki nomination confirmed

Iraq’s foreign minister says Savaya is no longer Trump’s envoy for Iraqi affairs, and that Tom Barrack has taken over the role

WASHINGTON,— Mark Savaya, appointed by President Donald Trump in October 2025 as the United States special envoy for Iraq, is no longer serving in that position, sources familiar with the decision told Reuters.

The departure comes amid increasing friction between Washington and Baghdad over U.S. efforts to reduce Iranian influence in Iraqi politics.

Savaya, an Iraqi-American Christian entrepreneur, was one of several Arab Americans appointed to senior positions by Trump, who campaigned heavily to win Arab and Muslim support in Detroit and other U.S. cities during his 2024 campaign.

It is unclear what led to Savaya’s removal or whether the administration will name a successor.

One source suggested Savaya had mishandled several key issues, including his inability to block the nomination of former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to lead the country. Trump had openly warned Baghdad against choosing Maliki.

Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, is reportedly assuming responsibility for the State Department’s Iraq portfolio.

Barrack visited Erbil earlier this week to meet with Syrian Democratic Forces officials in the Kurdish regions of Syria, according to both a source and a senior Iraqi official. A spokesperson for Barrack declined to comment.

Fuad Hussein, Iraq’s Foreign Minister said in an interview with K24 TV that Mark Savaya is no longer Trump’s envoy for Iraqi affairs, and that Tom Barrack will handle Iraqi affairs in his place.

The State Department referred inquiries to the White House, which also declined to comment on Savaya’s status or a potential replacement.

Savaya told Reuters on Thursday that he had not changed roles and was still completing administrative procedures to officially assume the position. However, a source familiar with the matter said Savaya had never formally joined the State Department.

Savaya says I remain fully engaged in my duties as the special envoy of U.S. to Iraq

Savaya wrote on Sunday on his X, “I categorically reject the circulating rumors regarding my position. I remain fully engaged in my duties as the Special Envoy of the United States to the Republic of Iraq.”

“Yesterday, President Donald Trump began reviewing the possibility of assigning Mr. Tom Barrack to the Iraq portfolio. Mr. Barrack brings extensive experience in the Middle East and possesses deep knowledge of the region. However, no final decision has been made at this time.” he added.

“Whether the mission continues under my leadership or that of Mr. Barrack, the objective remains unchanged: confronting Iran-backed militias in Iraq, ending systemic corruption, and supporting the Iraqi people in building a stable, sovereign, and prosperous state.” Savaya concluded.

Savaya, a Detroit-based entrepreneur with past involvement in the cannabis industry and close ties to Trump, had no prior diplomatic experience.

Sources said he had not traveled to Iraq in an official capacity since his appointment. A planned visit and meetings with senior Iraqi officials last Friday were canceled unexpectedly, according to two Iraqi officials.

The personnel change comes shortly after Trump warned Iraq that Washington would withdraw support if Maliki became prime minister.

Maliki, who served as Iraq’s prime minister in the past, has faced U.S. accusations of inflaming sectarian tensions and allowing the Islamic State to grow during his tenure. His nomination was recently backed by Iraq’s largest parliamentary bloc.

Trump’s statements reflect his broader effort to limit the influence of Iran-aligned groups in Iraq, a country that has historically balanced relationships between Washington and Tehran.

(With files from Reuters)