Latest news with #Gor
The Hill
a day ago
- Business
- The Hill
Musk slams influential Trump adviser: ‘He's a snake'
Tesla CEO Elon Musk swiped at a senior White House official late Wednesday following reports of a rift between the two men. Musk replied to a post on X, the social media platform he owns, linking to a New York Post story detailing that Sergio Gor had not submitted full vetting paperwork. Gor is one of the most influential officials in the White House, serving as head of the Office of Presidential Personal. 'He's a snake,' Musk wrote of Gor. Gor did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Gor is a highly influential aide with strong ties to the MAGA movement. He is a close ally of Donald Trump Jr. and a fierce loyalist to the president. He also led the pro-Trump super PAC Right for America. As head of the Office of Presidential Personnel, Gor oversees the vetting and appointments of thousands of government workers, ensuring they are aligned with Trump's agenda. Gor has been in the headlines as a central figure in the acrimonious split between the president and Musk, who departed his role as a special government employee late last month. Musk and Gor reportedly clashed in recent months, including at Cabinet meetings where Musk chastised Gor over personnel disagreements. Gor was also cited as a key figure in pushing for the withdrawal of Jared Isaacman, a Musk ally who had been tapped to lead NASA. Trump pulled the nomination shortly after Musk's departure from government, citing 'prior associations,' a reference to Isaacman's donations to Democrats. An administration official told The Hill that the decision to pull Isaacman's nomination ultimately rested with the president. The official also downplayed talk of a wider feud between Gor and Musk. They noted Gor oversaw the hiring of DOGE officials and argued the two were broadly aligned on the agency's goals.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Elon Musk slams presidential insider Sergio Gor as ‘Snake' behind Trump fallout
Tesla CEO Elon Musk publicly criticised Sergio Gor , a top White House official , who might have led to causing the drift between Musk and US president Donald Trump, as per a report. NASA Nomination Drama Sparks Feud According to Daily Beast, even though tensions between Musk and Trump had already been mounting before Musk left the White House, but things took a sharp turn after Gor, who is the director of the presidential personnel office, reportedly urged Trump to withdraw the nomination of Jared Isaacman, Musk's close friend, to lead NASA. This move came just days before the Senate was set to vote on Isaacman's appointment, as per Daily Beast. ALSO READ: Pete Hegseth trusts 'The Gorilla' without question — is this the man behind a possible Iran strike? Elon Musk Lashes Out on X Musk took to his social media platform X late Wednesday to call Gor 'a snake,' reacting to a New York Post report revealing that despite Gor overseeing the vetting of thousands of White House staffers, he himself has not been fully vetted, according to the report. He's a snake — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 19, 2025 Live Events Unvetted Vetting Chief? Despite Gor being in the position for five months into the second Trump administration, he has not even submitted his Standard Form 86, the 100-page background investigation form required for a security clearance, reported Daily Beast. As per the New York Post report, Gor's office assesses candidates for approximately 4,000 political appointees and also handles security clearances and conflicts of interest. White House Pushes Back However, the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has accused the New York Post's report of 'engaging in baseless gossip,' quoted Daily Beast. While, previously, the White House Communications Director Steven Cheung has described Gor as 'a vital member of the team' and said he has 'helped President Trump put together an administration that is second to none,' as quoted in the report. FAQs What role does Sergio Gor play in the White House? Gor is the director of the presidential personnel office, overseeing vetting for thousands of political appointees. What happened to Elon Musk's role in the White House? His special government employee status expired, effectively ending his formal involvement in the administration.
New York Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Powerful Trump aide who's in charge of vetting thousands of staffers still hasn't been fully vetted himself: sources
Sergio Gor — the director of presidential personnel who recently convinced President Trump to yank an Elon Musk-endorsed nominee for NASA — has yet to submit official paperwork about his own background needed for a permanent security clearance, according to multiple sources. Gor, 38, is in charge of picking about 4,000 executive-branch staff to implement Trump's agenda — and he's done so by poring over old tweets, political donations and remarks to ensure loyalty to the president. 5 But three administration insiders told The Post that the vetter-in-chief has not turned in his Standard Form 86, or SF-86 — a more than 100-page set of questions required for officials who need security clearances. Among the questions applicants must answer under threat of criminal penalties is where they were born and whether they have any foreign connections. Gor claims to be from the island country of Malta, though an official there could not confirm his birthplace when provided his exact birthday, saying: 'No acts are registered with the provided details.' Gor declined to divulge his birthplace to The Post, other than to say it was not Russia. Sources describe Gor's failure to submit the SF-86 as of the time of The Post's inquiries as rare, if not unique, among White House aides. He currently has an interim security clearance, as do some other Trump officials who are awaiting the completion of background checks. An SF-86 'is the first step in receiving a security clearance. Everyone — EVERYONE — fills one out, even if they're not going into a role that will ultimately need an activated clearance [such as] random comms people, administrative staff [and] legislative affairs,' a fourth source said. 5 'It seemed like a 'The lady doth protest too much, methinks'-type situation. Like why are you going so crazy about not wanting to fill this out?' Gor strongly opposed use of the SF-86 during the presidential transition, claiming he was concerned about the 'deep state' weeding out Trump's picks. 'He was actively working to convince everyone, including the lawyers, that the SF-86 was unnecessary and that Trump could just provide everyone with a clearance through his executive authority,' the fourth source said. 'He basically argued that the 'deep state' could corrupt the clearance process by weaponizing the SF-86 and background check investigations.' 5 The time-consuming form, which kicks off a review involving the FBI and Defense Department, is typically submitted by everyone who works in the White House, but rare exceptions can be made with presidential approval. The form includes questions on place of birth and all former places lived, foreign contacts and family members, foreign funding, drug use and more. Trump administration and White House officials canvassed by The Post as part of its investigation said they would have gladly skipped over the lengthy process, but that virtually everyone they know submitted the paperwork, which usually is done before starting work. The White House told The Post that Gor has 'completed the form' but would not say when he intends to submit it. 'Sergio was distrustful of the FBI, as were many others in the administration. However, to date, he has completed the form and he has an active security clearance,' said a White House official, referring to Gor's interim security clearance. 5 White House counsel David Warrington added: 'Mr. Gor is fully compliant with all applicable ethical and legal obligations. His security clearance is active, any insinuation he doesn't maintain a clearance is false.' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: 'Sergio Gor is a trusted adviser to President Trump and he has played a critical role in helping President Trump staff the most talented administration in history. It's sad the New York Post is engaging in baseless gossip rather than focusing on how the Trump administration is tackling the issues impacting our country and world.' Gor's rising star: 'He's done a great job' Gor's wide-ranging vetting role spans from picking ambassadors to staffers who will implement Trump's policies in every major federal agency, which sources said increases the need for trustworthy leadership. 'The PPO office controls every single political appointee in the government — anyone you hire, the buck starts and stops there,' said one source. 'It's quite a bit of power.' 5 Previously obscure, Gor burst into the national spotlight this month as he took the blame for Trump's explosive falling-out with Musk. Gor convinced the president to nix the Tesla founder's pick to lead NASA, Jared Isaacman, over donations to Democrats — after allegedly nursing a personal grudge and speaking of payback against Musk for 'humiliating' him at a cabinet meeting over his pace of hiring. The aide denied seeking revenge against Musk, saying 'those who actively supported Democrats in the last cycle have no place in this administration.' Gor's swift ascent from working as an aide to Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) during Trump's first term to occupying one of the most important roles in American politics has drawn admirers who view him as an effective enforcer of loyalty to Trump. 'Sergio has one of the toughest jobs in the administration,' one supporter said. 'He has to say 'no' to a lot of people, including a lot of cabinet officials [and] a lot of times he's telling people, 'No, you can't hire this person' for their own good.' … He has to say 'no' to a lot of officials who aren't used to hearing the letters N and O put together.' Gor rapidly rose in prominence — and wealth — in 2021 when he co-founded with Donald Trump Jr. a book publishing company, which printed a coffee table book of official snaps of the former and future president. He quickly earned enough to afford a seven-bedroom, lagoon-front mansion just north of Palm Beach in 2022 — a short drive from Trump's Mar-a-Lago club. 'Sergio has been nothing but kind, engaging and friendly in the 15 years that I've known him,' said Matt Wolking, a Trump 2020 campaign aide. 'He's a patriot who loves America and believes in President Trump's agenda. With such an important role in staffing the administration, he's no doubt had to disappoint various people who wanted a certain position, but their whining is just that — sour grapes.' Vice President JD Vance hailed Gor for doing a 'great job.' 'Sergio has led the effort to ensure committed, principled America First advocates staff the president's government,' he said. 'He's done a great job, and will continue to do so.' 'Mr. Malta' boasted of island heritage Nearly a dozen American officials who have worked with Gor both at the White House and his prior role as a Senate aide say he spoke so often about being Maltese that it was central to his identity. None of his former or current associates said they ever heard him mention any other national origin. 'He talked about it all the time. It was all like he was Mr. Malta,' said a former colleague. 'He would talk about Maltese pastries and his favorite bakery in Queens.' Another said, 'Everybody knows that he is 'Maltese,'' adding that they 'don't know what the motive would be' if that wasn't the case. At age 19, he told the Long Beach Press-Telegram in 2006 that he immigrated to the US from Malta at 12 years old — in 1998 or 1999. He did not describe a prior country of residence. 'In history class, you look at all these immigrants who came with rags and accomplished so much,' Gor told the paper. 'Becoming a citizen is a step toward the great American Dream.' The White House said Gor, who used the surname Gorokhovsky in high school, attended elementary and middle school in Malta, but the dates are unclear. Ian Borg, deputy prime minister of Malta, emailed The Post: 'Sergio's early childhood was spent in Malta for nearly a decade. In fact, he attended elementary and middle school here. He's perfectly fluent in Maltese, and deeply connected to the island. We are proud to consider Sergio a product of Malta!' 'Who cares where Sergio grew up as a child?' said Charlie Kirk, a co-founder of the pro-Trump group Turning Point USA. 'For over two decades he's worked in conservative politics. His loyalty to President Donald Trump is unmatched. His success in politics is a testament to his skills and talent. He's an example of the American dream.' Some sources questioned whether a non-Maltese birthplace alone would be enough to motivate forgoing the standard background check. 'He's one of those odd characters in DC where there does seem to be something that's unknown — that there's part of the puzzle that just doesn't make sense,' said a source who has tracked Gor's career.
New York Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Sergio Gor, Trump aide who vets thousands of staffers, hasn't been fully vetted himself: sources
WASHINGTON — One of the most powerful men in the Trump administration tasked with vetting thousands of staffers hasn't been fully vetted himself, The Post has learned. Sergio Gor – the director of presidential personnel who recently convinced President Trump to yank his Elon Musk-endorsed nomination for NASA – has yet to submit official paperwork about his own background needed for a permanent security clearance, according to multiple sources. Gor, 38, is in charge of picking about 4,000 executive-branch staff to implement Trump's agenda — and he's done so by poring over old tweets, political donations and remarks to ensure loyalty to the president. Advertisement But three administration insiders told The Post that the vetter-in-chief has not turned in his Standard Form 86, or SF-86 – a more than 100-page set of questions required for officials who need security clearances. 5 White House presidential personnel director Sergio Gor (right) applauds during a March 25 meeting with US ambassadors. REUTERS Among the questions applicants must answer under threat of criminal penalties is where they were born and whether they have any foreign connections. Advertisement Gor claims to be from the island country of Malta, though an official there could not confirm his birthplace when provided his exact birthday, saying: 'No acts are registered with the provided details.' Gor declined to divulge his birthplace to The Post, other than to say it was not Russia. Sources describe Gor's failure to submit the SF-86 as of the time of The Post's inquiries as rare, if not unique, among White House aides. He currently has an interim security clearance, as do some other Trump officials who are awaiting the completion of background checks. An SF-86 'is the first step in receiving a security clearance. Everyone — EVERYONE — fills one out, even if they're not going into a role that will ultimately need an activated clearance [such as] random comms people, administrative staff [and] legislative affairs,' a fourth source said. Advertisement 5 Gor, pictured with President Trump on March 17 during a tour of the Kennedy Center, has not submitted security clearance paperwork. Getty Images 'It seemed like a 'The lady doth protest too much, methinks' type situation. Like why are you going so crazy about not wanting to fill this out?' Gor strongly opposed use of the SF-86 form during the presidential transition, claiming he was concerned about the 'deep state' weeding out Trump's picks. 'He was actively working to convince everyone, including the lawyers, that the SF-86 was unnecessary and that Trump could just provide everyone with a clearance through his executive authority,' the fourth source said. Advertisement 'He basically argued that the 'deep state' could corrupt the clearance process by weaponizing the SF-86 and background check investigations.' 5 Gor, shown speaking at a May 19 event in the White House State Dining Room, has described himself as a Maltese immigrant, but the microstate's government says he wasn't born there. Bloomberg via Getty Images The time-consuming form, which kicks off a review involving the FBI and Defense Department, is typically submitted by everyone who works in the White House, but rare exceptions can be made with presidential approval. The form includes questions on place of birth and all former places lived, foreign contacts and family members, foreign funding, drug use and more. Trump administration and White House officials canvassed by The Post as part of its investigation said they would have gladly skipped over the lengthy process, but that virtually everyone they know submitted the paperwork, which usually is done before starting work. The White House told The Post that Gor has 'completed the form' but would not say when he intends to submit it. 'Sergio was distrustful of the FBI, as were many others in the administration. However to date, he has completed the form and he has an active security clearance,' said a White House official, referring to Gor's interim security clearance. 5 Gor's decision not to submit the SF-86 forms has stoked internal unease at the White House. Getty Images Advertisement White House counsel David Warrington added: 'Mr. Gor is fully compliant with all applicable ethical and legal obligations. His security clearance is active, any insinuation he doesn't maintain a clearance is false.' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: 'Sergio Gor is a trusted advisor to President Trump and he has played a critical role in helping President Trump staff the most talented administration in history. It's sad the New York Post is engaging in baseless gossip rather than focusing on how the Trump administration is tackling the issues impacting our country and world.' Gor's rising star: 'He's done a great job' Gor's wide-ranging vetting role spans from picking ambassadors to staffers who will implement Trump's policies in every major federal agency, which sources said increases the need for trustworthy leadership. Advertisement 'The PPO office controls every single political appointee in the government — anyone you hire, the buck starts and stops there,' said one source. 'It's quite a bit of power.' 5 Gor (left), pictured with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, is in charge of picking thousands of President Trump's political appointees. Bonnie Cash/POOL via CNP/ Previously obscure, Gor burst into the national spotlight this month as he took the blame for Trump's explosive falling out with Musk. Gor convinced the president to nix the Tesla founder's pick to lead NASA, Jared Isaacman, over donations to Democrats — after allegedly nursing a personal grudge and speaking of payback against Musk for 'humiliating' him at a cabinet meeting over his pace of hiring. Advertisement The aide denied seeking revenge against Musk, saying 'those who actively supported Democrats in the last cycle have no place in this administration.' Gor's swift rise from an aide to Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) during Trump's first term to one of the most important roles in American politics has drawn admirers who view him as an effective enforcer of loyalty to Trump. 'Sergio has one of the toughest jobs in the administration,' one supporter said. 'He has to say 'no' to a lot of people, including a lot of cabinet officials [and] a lot of times he's telling people, 'No, you can't hire this person' for their own good.' … He has to say 'no' to a lot of officials who aren't used to hearing the letters N and O put together.' Gor rapidly rose in prominence — and wealth — in 2021 when he cofounded with Donald Trump Jr. a book publishing company, which printed a coffee table book of official snaps of the former and future president. Advertisement He quickly earned enough to afford a seven-bedroom, lagoon-front mansion just north of Palm Beach in 2022 — a short drive from Trump's Mar-a-Lago club. 'Sergio has been nothing but kind, engaging and friendly in the 15 years that I've known him,' said Matt Wolking, a Trump 2020 campaign aide. 'He's a patriot who loves America and believes in President Trump's agenda. With such an important role in staffing the administration, he's no doubt had to disappoint various people who wanted a certain position, but their whining is just that — sour grapes.' Vice President JD Vance hailed Gor for doing a 'great job.' 'Sergio has led the effort to ensure committed, principled America First advocates staff the president's government,' he said. 'He's done a great job, and will continue to do so.' 'Mr. Malta' boasted of island heritage Nearly a dozen American officials who have worked with Gor both at the White House and his prior role as a Senate aide say he spoke so often about being Maltese that it was central to his identity. None of his former or current associates said they never heard him mention any other national origin. 'He talked about it all the time. It was all like he was Mr. Malta,' said a former colleague. 'He would talk about Maltese pastries and his favorite bakery in Queens.' Another said, 'Everybody knows that he is 'Maltese',' adding that they 'don't know what the motive would be' if that wasn't the case. At age 19, he told the Long Beach Press-Telegram in 2006 that he immigrated to the US from Malta at 12 years old — in 1998 or 1999. He did not describe a prior country of residence. 'In history class, you look at all these immigrants who came with rags and accomplished so much,' Gor told the paper. 'Becoming a citizen is a step toward the great American Dream.' The White House said Gor attended elementary and middle school in Malta, but the dates are unclear. Ian Borg, deputy prime minister of Malta, emailed The Post: 'Sergio's early childhood was spent in Malta for nearly a decade. In fact, he attended elementary and middle school here. He's perfectly fluent in Maltese, and deeply connected to the island. We are proud to consider Sergio a product of Malta!' 'Who cares where Sergio grew up as a child?' said Charlie Kirk, a cofounder of the pro-Trump group Turning Point USA. 'For over two decades he's worked in conservative politics. His loyalty to President Donald Trump is unmatched. His success in politics is a testament to his skills and talent. He's an example of the American dream.' Some sources questioned whether a non-Maltese birthplace alone would be enough to motivate forgoing the standard background check. 'He's one of those odd characters in DC where there does seem to be something that's unknown — that there's part of the puzzle that just doesn't make sense,' said a source who has tracked Gor's career.
Mint
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Balika Vadhu star Avika Gor engaged to IIM graduate Milind Chandwani: Who is he?
Actor Avika Gor recently announced her engagement to Milind Chandwani, sharing glimpses of their intimate ceremony on social media along with a heartfelt caption. Chandwani, an alumnus of IIM-Ahmedabad, began his career at the Indian tech giant Infosys and later founded the NGO Campus Diaries, which focuses on supporting underprivileged children. In a post on X, Gor wrote, "He asked.. I smiled, I cried (in that order 🙈)…and screamed the easiest YES of my life! I'm full filmy — background score, slow-mo dreams, mascara running and all. He's logic, calm, and 'let's carry a first-aid kit just in case.' 'I manifest drama. He manages it. And somehow, we just… Fit. So when he asked, the heroine in me took over — arms in the air, tears in my eyes, and zero network in my brain. Because real love? It may not always be perfect. But, It. Is. Magical,' she added. Avika Gor and Milind Chandwani first crossed paths in Hyderabad in 2020 through mutual friends and have been in a relationship for nearly five years. Gor has often playfully remarked that she was "married to him in (her) head" long before their feelings became mutual. Milind Chandwani is an engineer-turned-philanthropist. After graduating from Dayanand Sagar College of Engineering in Bangalore, he began his career as a Software Engineer at Infosys, according to a report by Republic. However, he left the corporate world to work with non-profits like Teach For India and iTeach Schools, focusing on education and welfare for marginalized communities. Currently, he serves as the CEO of Camp Diaries, an NGO that provides educational opportunities to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Milind also gained public praise through his appearance on MTV Roadies Season 17, where he was a member of Neha Dhupia's gang. Though he didn't reach the finale, his performance and personality resonated with both the audience and the show's mentors, earning him a strong youth following. Widely known for her roles in television, Gor rose to fame with Balika Vadhu and Sasural Simar Ka. She later transitioned to films, starring in Vikram Bhatt's 1920: Horrors of the Heart (2023) and Bloody Ishq (2024). Most recently, she appeared in the Telugu crime thriller Shanmukha (2025). A couple of days ago, actor Hina Khan, who will also be seen in COLORS' reality TV show, tied the knot with boyfriend Rocky Jaiswal. I manifest drama. He manages it. And somehow, we just… Fit. Announcing their sacred union, Hina and Rocky in a joint Instagram post wrote, 'From two different worlds, we built a universe of love. Our differences faded, our hearts aligned, creating a bond to last lifetimes. We are our home, our light, our hope and together, we transcend all barriers. Today, our union is forever sealed in love and law. We seek your Blessings and Wishes as Wife and Husband.'
