Who is Sergio Gor? Trump nominates close aide as US Ambassador to India; replaces Eric Garcetti

US president Donald Trump has nominated Sergio Gor as the next American ambassador to India. If confirmed by the Senate, Gor will also serve as special envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, a region that includes Pakistan and Bangladesh where the US currently has no ambassadors.

Trump announced the move on social media, calling Gor a “great friend” and someone he could fully trust to deliver on his agenda. “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,” Trump wrote.

Gor will replace Eric Garcetti, a Democratic appointee, who returned to California after the end of the Biden presidency.

Who is Sergio Gor?

• Gor was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, when it was part of the Soviet Union. His family moved to the US in 1999 when he was about 12. His father, Yuri Gorokhovsky, was an aviation engineer involved in designing Soviet aircraft including the IL-76, used by the Indian Air Force. His mother is said to be of Israeli origin.
  
• He grew up in Los Angeles before moving to Washington, DC to study at George Washington University, close to the White House.
  
• Active in young conservative circles, he worked as spokesman for Republican lawmakers Steve King and Michele Bachmann, both known for their far-right views. Gor later became deputy chief of staff to senator Rand Paul.
• Gor joined Trump’s orbit during the 2020 elections, rose quickly in the MAGA movement, and was appointed director of presidential personnel after Trump’s 2024 victory. Trump credits him with placing nearly 4,000 loyalists in government roles.
• Gor is known for his loyalty to Trump but has also been criticised by others as unpredictable in his decisions. He clashed with Elon Musk, Trump’s billionaire adviser.
• He also played a role in derailing Jared Isaacman’s nomination to lead Nasa after pointing out Isaacman’s past donations to Democrats.