File photo: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US ambassador to India Sergio Gor stand for the national anthem, as they attend a Freedom 250 reception at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.
Gor, a former senior White House aide and close Trump ally, has been discussed within the administration as a potential candidate for a bigger role during the second half of Trump’s term, according to a report by The Washington Sun, citing 10 people familiar with internal discussions. However, speculation in Republican and State Department circles suggests Rubio could eventually leave the Cabinet to prepare for a potential presidential bid in 2028 or 2032.
Gor’s name has come up for several senior positions, including replacing Rubio as secretary of state or Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff, according to the report. A Trump adviser told The Sun that the president “loves the guy”, crediting Gor with bringing deals to Trump during his years outside office rather than seeking favours from him. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has emerged as a possible contender for senior positions in president Donald Trump’s administration following the recent setbacks in the midterm elections, with his name reportedly circulating for roles including White House chief of staff and secretary of state. There is also growing speculation among State Department officials that Gor is interested in a promotion. Well-connected within the administration and known for his direct access to Trump, Gor has increasingly taken part in high-level diplomatic engagements, acquiring influence beyond his role as ambassador to India. He is also seen as an important link between Washington and several Asian countries, as well as a close confidant of secretary of state Marco Rubio . Some officials have also discussed the possibility of him taking over as deputy secretary of state from Chris Landau. Neither Rubio nor Wiles has indicated any intention of leaving their positions. Despite the denials, Gor’s growing diplomatic profile has drawn attention within the administration.
Gor, who worked on Trump’s 2024 election campaign, has previously been linked to the business interests of the president’s family.
Before leaving for India, Gor was sworn in as ambassador during an Oval Office ceremony at which Trump described him as a “great guy” and said he was “very proud” of him. His publishing company has published Trump’s books, and he is particularly close to Donald Trump Jr. Before joining the Trump administration, Gor spent roughly a decade working on Capitol Hill, primarily for Republican senator Rand Paul. At the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, he was responsible for identifying and vetting candidates for thousands of political appointments across the federal government.