The relationship between Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump has been complex, marked by periods of alliance and sharp conflict. Recently, this dynamic has intersected with Trump's appointment of Sergio Gor as the U.S. Ambassador to India, with reports indicating Musk harbors animosity towards Gor.

Musk's Alleged "Snake" Comment

Multiple sources confirm that Elon Musk called Sergio Gor a "snake". This stemmed from Gor's role in allegedly derailing Musk's preferred candidate for a leadership position at NASA. Gor, as Director of Presidential Personnel, was responsible for vetting appointees and ensuring their loyalty to Trump. Musk's "snake" epithet suggests he viewed Gor as untrustworthy and manipulative.

The Trump-Musk Feud: A Timeline

To understand the context of Musk's comment, it's important to consider the history of his relationship with Trump:

• Early Interactions: Prior to Trump's presidency, Musk criticized him. In 2022, Musk called Trump unsuitable for the presidency due to his age, after Trump called Musk a "bullshit artist".
• Brief Alliance: In 2024, a period described as a "rapid and intense bromance" emerged. Musk endorsed Trump after an assassination attempt and financially supported his campaign. He also served in Trump's administration as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency.
• The Falling Out: A major feud erupted over Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," with Musk criticizing it for its potential to increase the national debt. Musk even launched the "America Party" to challenge what he saw as a "one-party system".
• Escalating Threats: The conflict escalated with Trump threatening to cut subsidies to Musk's companies and even suggesting deporting the South African-born entrepreneur. Musk, in turn, hinted at exposing damaging information about Trump.

Sergio Gor's Appointment as India Envoy

Against this backdrop, Trump's appointment of Sergio Gor as the U.S. Ambassador to India adds another layer of complexity. Gor's confirmation is not assured, and the post has been vacant since January 2025, following Eric Garcetti's departure.

Garcetti's Tenure as Ambassador

It is worth noting that Garcetti's own confirmation process was lengthy and controversial. His nomination was stalled for nearly two years due to concerns about his handling of sexual harassment allegations against a former aide. Despite these hurdles, he was eventually confirmed and served as ambassador from 2023 to early 2025.

Implications of Gor's Appointment

Several factors make Gor's appointment noteworthy:

• Lack of Foreign Policy Experience: Gor's background is primarily in political personnel management, with limited experience in foreign policy.
• Musk's Disapproval: Musk's public disdain for Gor raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, especially considering the growing importance of technology and space in international relations.
• Strained US-India Relations: Gor's appointment comes at a time of rising trade tensions between the U.S. and India, with increased tariffs on Indian imports. Some view this appointment as a move to have someone Trump fully trusts to deliver on his agenda.

In conclusion, the convergence of Elon Musk's feud with Donald Trump and the appointment of Sergio Gor as U.S. Ambassador to India creates a complex and potentially volatile situation. Musk's reported "snake" comment underscores the deep-seated animosity he harbors towards Gor, raising questions about the future of U.S.-India relations and the role of personal conflicts in shaping foreign policy.