Trump names USSR-born Sergio Gor, with no India experience, US ambassador to New Delhi

US President Donald Trump on Friday (August 22) announced that he is appointing " great friend" Sergio Gor, the White House personnel director, as the next United States ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs.

Trump described Gor as a “great friend” and one of the most influential figures in his administration. The appointment comes at a sensitive moment in relations with New Delhi, as Trump has imposed 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India along with an additional 25 per cent penalty over its trade ties with Russia.

“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,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Sergio and his team have hired nearly 4,000 America First Patriots across every Department of our Federal Government in RECORD time — Our Departments and Agencies are over 95% filled!”

Gor, who currently serves as director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, will remain in the role until his confirmation, Trump said.

The president credited Gor with playing a central role in his “historic presidential campaigns,” publishing his best-selling books, and leading a major pro-Trump super PAC.

“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. Congratulations Sergio!” Trump added.

Who is Sergio Gor?

Sergio Gor was born as Sergio Gorokhovsky on November 30, 1986, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He later studied at George Washington University, where he became active with the College Republicans.

Gor began his political career working as a spokesman for Republican lawmakers including Michele Bachmann, Steve King, and Randy Forbes. In 2013, he became communications director for Senator Rand Paul’s PAC, RANDPAC, and continued to work closely with the Kentucky senator.

In 2021, he co-founded Winning Team Publishing, a conservative publishing house that has released multiple Trump-related titles such as Letters to Trump, Our Journey Together, and Save America. He also reportedly led Right for America, a pro-Trump PAC.

In November 2024, Trump appointed Gor as director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, a position from which he will transition once confirmed as ambassador.