On Friday, President Donald Trump made a significant announcement—Sergio Gor will be the next U.S. ambassador to India. Gor will take on the responsibility of improving the strained relations between India and the U.S., especially after the recent decision to double tariffs on goods from India. He will also serve as a special envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs.
Trump made this announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, crediting Gor with a pivotal role in thousands of political appointments across the government. Trump emphasized that Gor's work was crucial in implementing the administration's goals.
Trump Declares Him 'A Great Friend'
Trump wrote, 'Sergio is one of my great friends, standing by my side for many years. He worked on my historic election campaign, published my bestselling books, and played a key role in one of the largest super PACs supporting our movement. His contributions were significant in choosing the staff for my administration’s second term.'
A Long-Standing Tension with Elon Musk
Sergio Gor also played a crucial role in the clash between Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. According to reports, Gor and Musk had been at odds for months, eventually leading to Musk's resignation from the Trump administration in May.
During a heated Cabinet meeting in March, Musk and other officials engaged in a debate. Although Gor's involvement wasn't publicly acknowledged, insiders noted his opposition to Musk's influence on staffing decisions.
Source: aajtak
Musk Posted on Social Media, Calling Him a 'Snake'
The tensions escalated when Gor played a role in halting the nomination of Jared Isaacman as NASA chief, a nomination backed by Musk but ultimately nullified by Trump. Trump later acknowledged that this decision upset Musk. Subsequently, Musk attacked Gor on social media platform X, labeling him a 'snake' and sharing a New York Post report alleging that Gor didn't properly complete his security clearance.
One of the Most Powerful Figures in Trump's Team
This incident marked a turning point in the relationship between Musk and Trump, further widening the rift between them. According to Axios, Gor didn't want Musk involved in these decisions and may have influenced Trump in that direction.
Gor was also part of the vetting process for White House appointments and often set political loyalty to Trump as a condition for appointments. He’s considered one of the most powerful figures behind the scenes in Trump's team.
Key Role in Election Fundraising
Gor has played a significant role in election fundraising, maintaining strong relationships with Trump's donors and allies. Trump's communication director described Gor as 'a vital member of the team' who contributed to shaping the administration's direction. Trump's announcement of Gor's appointment comes at a time when U.S. trade negotiator’s visit to India, scheduled between August 25-29, was abruptly canceled.
Who is Sergio Gor?
Sergio Gor has been involved in Donald Trump's political activities since 2020, playing a vital role in election fundraising and supporting political action committees (PACs) that back Trump. He currently leads the Presidential Personnel Office at the White House and will remain in this role until the Senate confirms his ambassadorial appointment.
Born in Tashkent, then a part of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic of the Soviet Union, Gor moved to the U.S. with his family in 1999. After relocating to the U.S., he pursued his education at George Washington University in Washington D.C., where he became actively involved in conservative politics and participated in the College Republicans. He also established a chapter of the Young America Foundation on campus.
Quickly Became Close to Trump
Following his education, Gor entered Republican politics and worked with Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky. Over time, he built strong ties with influential figures in Trump's network, including Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr. Gor and Trump Jr. later co-founded a publishing company.
In 2024, Gor led a pro-Trump super PAC, receiving substantial support from Mar-a-Lago member and former Marvel executive Isaac Perlmutter.
Despite his growing influence, Gor has been a subject of controversy. Some New York Times reports have raised questions about his personal background and how he quickly made a name for himself in Trump's political landscape.
