US President Donald Trump has nominated his aide Sergio Gor as the next US Ambassador to India. Gor is one of Trump’s most trusted allies, but his nomination has drawn attention because Elon Musk once called him a “snake.”
The clash between Musk and Gor, Trump’s strong praise for his aide, and the growing US-India tensions over tariffs all set the stage for a high-profile diplomatic posting.
Musk’s Clash With Sergio Gor
In June, Elon Musk called Sergio Gor a “snake” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Musk reacted after reports said Gor convinced Trump to cancel the nomination of Jared Isaacman, a Musk ally, for the top job at NASA.
He’s a snake
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 19, 2025
“He is a snake,” Musk wrote in reply to a post about Gor. Musk also said Gor was “breaking the law” by not releasing his Standard Form 86 (SF-86). This form is important for background checks and security clearances.
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Trouble Inside Trump’s Team
Musk and Gor had earlier faced tensions when Musk was part of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The unit was created to cut spending and reduce the size of the government.
Musk clashed with Gor on budget matters and finally quit DOGE in May. A month later, Musk criticized Trump’s big tax cut and spending plan. He warned it would only push America into deeper debt.
Trump’s Praise for Sergio Gor
Even with Musk’s attacks, Trump has stayed loyal to Sergio Gor. On Saturday, Trump announced Gor as his nominee for US Ambassador to India and as special envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. Trump called Gor a “great friend” and praised him for filling thousands of government jobs.
“As Director of Presidential Personnel, 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!” Trump wrote.
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He added that Gor worked on his campaigns and published his books. Trump said, “Sergio will make an incredible Ambassador.”
Who is Sergio Gor?
Sergio Gor, now 38, is seen as one of Trump’s most trusted aides. He became well known in Washington for handling staffing decisions during Trump’s second term. He also played a key role in raising funds for Trump’s 2024 campaign.
After Trump announced his nomination, Gor expressed his gratitude. He wrote, “It will be the honour of my life to represent the United States.”
India Ties & Diplomatic Challenges
The timing of Gor’s nomination is crucial. Relations between the US and India are strained. Recently, Trump imposed a 50% duty on goods from India. In retaliation for India’s oil trading with Russia, he also imposed a 25% import tax.
As ambassador, Gor will need to handle these trade disputes while keeping India-US ties strong. India remains one of the most important partners for the United States in Asia.
ALSO READ: Why Trump Picked Sergio Gor, a Close Confidant and Not a Career Diplomat, for India
Implications for US-India Ties
Trump’s words show that he fully trusts Sergio Gor. But Musk’s criticism gives a different image. As Gor prepares to take charge in New Delhi, questions about his past clashes with Musk and his role in Trump’s inner circle may follow him.
