'Couldn't Think Of A Better Pick': Ex-Trump Advisor Hails Sergio Gor's Nomination As India Envoy

Last Updated:August 23, 2025, 09:34 IST

Steve Bannon, Trump's former senior adviser, said Sergio Gor's nomination as the US Ambassador to India was a good step for both countries amid trade tensions.

Trump expressed confidence in Gor's ability to further the "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN" agenda (Image: Reuters)

Steve Bannon, the former senior adviser of US President Donald Trump during his first term, has hailed the decision to nominate the president’s close aide, Sergio Gor, as the next US Ambassador to India, saying it was good for both countries.

“Sergio is a great friend, who has been at my side for many years. He worked on my Historic Presidential Campaigns, published my Best Selling Books, and ran one of the biggest Super PACs, which supported our Movement," Trump said. “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."

Gor, the White House personnel director and a close friend of Trump, was named as the next ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. He has played an influential role in Trump’s political operations, notably by creating one of the largest Super PACs supporting his campaign.

While Gor is in the president’s good books for adopting a zero-tolerance policy toward job-seekers who had been critical of Trump in the past, he had a contentious relationship with former Trump adviser-turned-rival Elon Musk, who called him a “snake".

‘Powerful Signal To India’

Gor’s nomination came at a time when relations between the United States and India are strained due to Trump’s 50% tariffs on India, including an additional 25% duties for purchasing Russian oil that will come into effect from August 28.

Bannon lauded Gor’s nomination as the next US envoy to India. “I believe Sergio is the only person outside of (White House Chief of Staff) Susie (wiles) and a handful of others who actually has walk-in privileges to the president at any time, day or night," he told Politico.

“If I’m (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi in India — and I say this as somebody that’s so pro that relationship — I couldn’t think of a better pick. Does he have a deep knowledge base of the Indian policy issues? He doesn’t, but this guy’s a quick study. He not just has access to the president … but he has a unique trust. The president trusts this guy, that he’s dealing with him straight," he added.

Meanwhile, a person familiar with the matter said Gor’s nomination is Trump’s way of “sending a powerful signal to the Modi government by sending an envoy that is very personally close to him."

“Sergio is a clear signal that the negotiations need to be serious and that all messages come from the president," the person told the US-based outlet.

In a post on X, Gor thanked Trump for his “incredible trust and confidence" in his appointment, and said it would be the “honour of my life" to represent the US in India. He will succeed Eric Garcetti, who served as ambassador from May 11, 2023, to January 20, 2025.

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News world 'Couldn't Think Of A Better Pick': Ex-Trump Advisor Hails Sergio Gor's Nomination As India Envoy

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