In November 2024, Trump Appointed Sergio Gor as Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office

Advertisment

Sergio Gor, known for his close ties to Donald Trump and major conservative figures, has been officially confirmed by the Senate as the new US Ambassador to India. Gor’s appointment underscores Trump’s influence in shaping foreign policy and strategic relationships with Asian countries.

Gor is a trusted insider of President Donald Trump, was nominated in August not only to serve as Ambassador to India but also to take on the role of Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs.

America’s Envoy to India

A seasoned political operator, Gor was confirmed on Tuesday as part of an en bloc Senate vote that approved 107 appointments despite a US government shutdown. The final tally was 51 in favour and 47 against him. Among the other nominees confirmed were Paul Kapur of California as Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs and Anjani Sinha of Florida as Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore.

Advertisment

Who is Sergio Gor?

Born as Sergey Gorokhovsky on November 30, 1986, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, then part of the Soviet Union, he moved as a child to Malta. After migrating in 1999, he completed high school in Los Angeles, followed by graduating from George Washington University, as per his LinkedIn profile. He also participated in College Republicans and founded the campus chapter of Young America's Foundation.

Gor came to the limelight while supporting John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign when he worked for the Republican National Committee. He served as spokesperson and communications director for Representatives Steve King, Michele Bachmann, and Randy Forbes. 

He also worked with Senator Rand Paul’s RANDPAC, led Trump’s finance operations in 2020, co-founded Winning Team Publishing with Donald Trump Jr., and later advised MAGA Inc. In November 2024, Trump appointed him director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office.

Advertisment

Trump on Gor 

Describing Gor as a “great friend, who has been at my side for many years”, Trump had said that “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. Sergio will make an incredible Ambassador.”

Known for his behind-the-scenes work in Washington, Gor served most recently as Director of Presidential Personnel.

Sergio Gor on the US-India Relationship

At his confirmation hearing in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in September, Gor had said that India is a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond.

Advertisment

He said that he is “committed to advancing America's interest in this important partnership.”

“Improving US-India trade ties will not only bolster US competitiveness, but also reduce China's economic leverage over other nations,” Gor added.

He further noted that “India's role in ensuring regional stability and security cannot be understated".

Advertisment

"A stable South Asia is in the interest of the United States and all the nations,” he had told the panel, adding that the “US-India partnership will define the 21st Century”.

India Welcomes the decision

India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, has welcomed Gor’s nomination, calling him “one of Trump’s most trusted aides”. He said the “decision reflected the importance and priority the US attaches to its bilateral ties with India”.

However, this appointment has raised speculation among experts. India has a strategic relationship with both Washington and Moscow. Placing someone with roots in the former Soviet Union reflects Washington’s awareness of the geopolitical balance between India and Russia. Gor’s Soviet origin may help all three nations in the long run by offering common ground for deeper dialogue and cooperation.

Advertisment