President Donald Trump has tapped his longtime confidant Sergio Gor, aged 38, for the pivotal role of US Ambassador to India, alongside appointing him as Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. The announcement, made via a Truth Social post on Friday, underscores Trump’s reliance on Gor, whom he described as a “great friend” integral to his political endeavors.
Gor, currently the Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, has been a cornerstone of Trump’s administration, overseeing the rapid appointment of nearly 4,000 officials across federal agencies, achieving a remarkable 95% staffing rate. Trump praised Gor’s efficiency and loyalty, noting his involvement in historic presidential campaigns, publishing Trump’s best-selling books, and managing a major Super PAC that bolstered the MAGA movement.
“Sergio’s role has been essential to delivering on our mandate,” Trump stated, emphasizing the importance of a trusted figure in India, the world’s most populous region, to advance his “Make America Great Again” agenda. Gor expressed deep gratitude, calling the nomination “the honour of my life” to represent the United States. Vice President JD Vance echoed the sentiment, predicting Gor would be a “fantastic ambassador.”
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The nomination comes at a tense moment in US-India relations, with tariff disputes straining ties between Washington and New Delhi. Trump’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on India, partly due to its Russian oil purchases, has heightened diplomatic challenges. Gor, succeeding Eric Garcetti who served from May 2023 to January 2025, will navigate these complexities pending Senate confirmation, while continuing his current White House role.
Gor’s deep ties to the Trump family, including co-founding Winning Team Publishing with Donald Trump Jr., highlight his insider status. Despite past criticism from figures like Elon Musk over personnel decisions, Trump’s confidence in Gor remains unshaken, positioning him as a key player in shaping US-India diplomacy.
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