Trump Appoints Sergio Gor as Next US Ambassador to India Amid Strained Trade Ties and Senate Confirmation Battle

New Delhi (India) August 23: Sergio Gor will be the next US ambassador to India. He will manage tense ties that are worse due to the US raising its tariffs on Indian goods next week. Gor is designated as the Special Envoy for Central and South Asian Affairs.

Trump hails Gor’s loyalty

Trump announces the news on his Truth Social social media account. Trump says that Gor's efforts are essential to carrying out the administration's objectives. He credits him with helping fill thousands of political jobs throughout the federal government.

Trump says, “I am pleased to announce that I am promoting Sergio Gor to be our next United States Ambassador to the Republic of India, and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs.”

He adds, “Sergio’s role as Director of Presidential Personnel has been essential to delivering on the unprecedented Mandate that we received from the American People. 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.”

Support from Prominent Figures 

FBI Director Kash Patel, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby all praise Gor's selection. The US Senate is currently debating Gor's candidacy.

Gor has been a part of Trump's political operations since 2020. He has served in Trump-affiliated political action groups and campaign fundraising. Gor is the current head of the Presidential Personnel Office of the White House. Until the Senate approves his candidacy as ambassador, he will remain in that position.

He and Donald Trump Jr. co-founded the conservative publishing business Winning Team Publishing in 2021. Since then, the company has published a number of books written by prominent American conservatives. It also includes President Trump.

Musk clashes with Gor

Notably, Gor was instrumental in a dispute between Elon Musk and Trump. According to reports, the Tesla CEO and Sergio Gor had been at odds for months before the CEO's resignation from the Trump administration.

Several accounts claim that Musk and other officials argued about agency cuts during a contentious Cabinet meeting in March. Insiders claim that Gor challenged Musk's influence over hiring. 

Gor's assistance in blocking Jared Isaacman's candidacy to head NASA, a move Musk had strongly backed, deepened the problems. Musk publicly criticizes Gor in a social media post on X. He calls him a "snake". He also claims that Gor had not been thoroughly investigated. Trump later acknowledges that his decision had angered Musk.

Gor’s growing political influence

Gor also participates in the screening of White House candidates. He frequently demands political commitment to Trump as a requirement for employment. He is one of the most influential members of Trump's inner circle.

He maintains tight ties with Trump's supporters and allies. He raises a sizable amount of campaign money. Gor is "a vital member of the team" who contributes to the administration's development.

Gor's nomination was announced by Trump. It happens soon after the sudden cancellation of a scheduled August 25–29 visit by US trade negotiators to New Delhi.