By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON -Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Sunday called Sergio Gor ‘a snake’ who was named as the next American ambassador to India by US President Donald Trump and assigned him the role of special envoy for South and Central Asia, over security clearance and NASA-related disputes.
Trump appointment came at a tense time in US-India relations, with trade and tariff issues straining ties.
Gor’s role will be different, as he has also been assigned additional responsibility as special envoy for South and Central Asia — a dual position that places him at the centre of sensitive regional diplomacy.
Trump praised Gor as a trusted ally who had played key roles in his campaigns, book deals, and political fundraising efforts.
Gor’s nomination has stirred controversy as Tesla CEO Elon Musk publicly called Gor a “snake,” accused him of sabotaging the nomination of Musk ally Jared Isaacman to lead NASA.
Musk also alleged Gor had escaped legal requirements by not submitting mandatory security clearance forms.
Their clashes date back to Gor’s stint at the Department of Government Efficiency an agency Musk briefly worked with before quitting in May over disagreements with Trump’s fiscal policies.
Sergio Gor, 38-year-oldloyal aide who rose in conservative politics, became one of the most powerful, albeit low-profile, aides in the White House.
His task was to vet 4,000 appointees to ensure their utmost loyalty to Trump.
Gor is a long-time Trump ally who had played a key role in fundraising for the 2024 campaign
He said that he was “deeply thankful” to the US President for his nomination.
