WASHINGTON, August 23 — In a bold and surprising move, former President Donald Trump has nominated Sergio Gor, a fiercely loyal aide with deep roots in conservative politics, to serve as the new US Ambassador to India.
At just 38 years old, Gor has made a name for himself as one of Trump’s most trusted — and feared — behind-the-scenes operatives in Washington. Known for his rigorous loyalty checks on thousands of political appointees, Gor has been instrumental in shaping the personnel landscape of Trump’s inner circle.
But it’s not just loyalty that defines him. Gor has earned enemies along the way — most notably tech mogul Elon Musk, who once branded him a “snake” after a public clash over NASA leadership. While Gor’s resume lacks traditional diplomatic experience, his political instincts and unwavering allegiance to Trump have made him a rising force.
“For the most populous Region in the World, it is important that I have someone I can fully trust to deliver on my Agenda and help us, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” Trump wrote on his social platform, Truth Social. “Sergio will make an incredible Ambassador.”
In addition to the ambassadorial role, Gor will also serve as a Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, a post Trump says is crucial in navigating the complexities of the region.
This appointment comes at a tense time in US-India relations. With India ramping up engagements with Russia and China, and with the United States pressuring New Delhi over its energy deals with Moscow, Gor’s entry into this diplomatic arena is being closely watched. Historically, Washington has seen India as a key strategic counterbalance to China, but recent developments have tested that alignment.
India has long resisted direct US involvement in its regional issues — including Trump’s prior suggestions of mediating between India and Pakistan — and Gor’s appointment may either smooth or further complicate matters, depending on his approach.
Who is Sergio Gor?
Born in Uzbekistan during the Soviet era, Gor moved to Malta as a child before eventually settling in the United States. His early political career saw him rise through Republican ranks, working closely with libertarian Senator Rand Paul before becoming a key figure in Trump’s fundraising machine.
He also wears many hats — aside from politics, Gor has dabbled in publishing and once even moonlighted as a wedding DJ. But it was his role as Director of Presidential Personnel under Trump that earned him significant clout in Washington, managing thousands of appointments across the administration.
Despite criticism over his lack of foreign policy experience, Trump’s endorsement couldn’t be more glowing. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also voiced support, calling Gor “an excellent representative of America in one of the most important relationships our nation has in the world.”
Unlike many past US envoys to India — who were often intellectuals, academics, or experienced diplomats — Gor represents a different kind of ambassador: a political loyalist and enforcer with a personal mandate from Trump.
His nomination now goes to the Senate for confirmation.
