Trump ally Sergio Gor tipped for top US role after midterm setback; envoy denies interest

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has emerged as a possible contender for a senior position in President Donald Trump's administration following the Republicans' poor performance in the midterm elections, according to a report by The Washington Sun. The speculation comes amid discussions in Washington over a possible reshuffle during the second half of Trump's presidential term.

Gor, a former senior White House aide and close associate of Trump, has reportedly been mentioned for several influential positions, including White House chief of staff and secretary of state, currently held by Marco Rubio. However, Gor and officials from the administration have firmly rejected the claims, with the ambassador insisting that he has no interest in another role.

Gor's name emerges in discussions over administration reshuffle

Citing 10 people familiar with internal discussions, The Washington Sun reported that Gor had been laying the groundwork for a possible promotion following the midterm elections. There is also reportedly a growing understanding among State Department officials that he would like a more prominent assignment.

"He wants more of a forward-facing role," a US official familiar with the discussions was quoted as saying.

Sources told the publication that Gor's name had been discussed in presidential circles as a potential candidate to replace Rubio as secretary of state or take over as White House chief of staff. Another possibility reportedly being considered is a senior State Department position, including that of deputy secretary, currently held by Chris Landau.

The report also said some officials in the State Department and Republican political circles believe Rubio could eventually leave the Cabinet to prepare for a possible presidential bid in 2028 or 2032. Neither Rubio nor current White House chief of staff Susie Wiles has publicly indicated an intention to step down.

Gor and administration reject speculation

Gor dismissed the reports in strong terms, describing the story as "complete and total bullshit". He also praised Rubio and rejected any suggestion that he wanted to replace the secretary of state.

"Secretary Marco Rubio has proven to be the most qualified, accomplished and greatest secretary of state in history. He is irreplaceable, and a dear friend who I have the joy of working with every day as US ambassador to India, a true honour of a lifetime. I have zero interest in any other role," Gor told The Washington Sun.

A White House official also called the report fabricated, saying Gor had no interest in another position and believed that both Wiles and Rubio were doing a phenomenal job.

The State Department separately rejected the claims. Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson said Rubio and Gor shared a strong professional relationship and personal friendship, describing the reports as rumours based on anonymous sources.

Gor's growing diplomatic profile

The speculation comes as Gor's influence within the administration has reportedly expanded beyond his role as ambassador to India. Before taking up the diplomatic assignment, he headed the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, where he was involved in identifying and vetting candidates for thousands of political appointments.

He also serves as Trump's special envoy for South and Central Asia, giving him a wider diplomatic brief. The Washington Sun reported that his direct access to the president and involvement in high-level meetings had helped raise his profile within the administration.

Gor has played a role in facilitating visits to India by senior US officials, including Rubio, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and then-Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. He has also participated in meetings with foreign officials outside India, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Rubio has visited India twice this year, and the two officials have frequently travelled together since Gor's appointment. They also appeared together at a G20 summit in Atlanta last week.

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace senior fellow Sameer Lalwani said Gor appeared at times to be functioning in a capacity similar to that of a deputy secretary. He added that the ambassador's direct access to the White House had helped improve India-US relations.

Gor was also central to Rubio's visit to Uzbekistan last month, which was part of the Trump administration's efforts to strengthen ties with resource-rich Central Asian countries. Born in Uzbekistan when it was part of the Soviet Union, Gor also has a role in the administration's engagement with the region.

The report further noted his focus on deal-making and support for US businesses. It referred to business interests linked to Trump's family in Kazakhstan, where the president's sons are involved in a company seeking to tap tungsten reserves. Gor had brought Kazakhstan's leader to the White House for a meeting with Trump and other Central Asian heads of state.

Gor, who worked on Trump's 2024 campaign, has also had business links with the president's family. His company publishes Trump's books, and he is particularly close to Donald Trump Jr. Trump hosted Gor's swearing-in ceremony at the White House in November 2025, before his departure for India, and described him as a "great guy".

Gor's tenure in New Delhi has also drawn attention. According to people familiar with the embassy's operations, he has exercised an unusual degree of control over its functioning, including personnel decisions involving both career diplomats and locally employed staff. He also cancelled an $850 million construction project at the US embassy in Delhi, which had been initiated during Trump's first administration.

Despite his growing profile and access to the president, the report noted that securing a Cabinet-level position would require Senate confirmation. Gor's previous confirmation as ambassador had faced opposition from every Democratic senator as part of a wider vote on a package of nominees.