Trump's ambassador to India could replace Rubio as secretary of state
Photo: Sergio Gor, Stephen Miller, and Marco Rubio (flickr.com)
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor could become the next secretary of state, replacing Marco Rubio, who may begin preparing for a future presidential campaign, according to The Washington Sun.
According to 10 people familiar with the matter, Gor, a former senior White House official and close ally of US President Donald Trump, has been laying the groundwork for a major promotion following the midterm elections to Congress.
With extensive connections and direct access to Trump, he has increasingly been taking part in high-level meetings, giving him influence well beyond his ambassadorial role. The media outlet reports that Gor is seen as a key intermediary between Washington and much of Asia, as well as a trusted ally of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"The former head of the White House’s Office of Presidential Personnel maintains relationships across the Trump administration, having played a key role in the vetting and appointment of thousands of officials," the report said.
Gor is now being discussed within Trump's circle as a candidate for senior positions in the administration during the second half of the president's term. There is also a widespread belief among State Department staff that Sergio Gor is interested in such a promotion.
"Gor's name has been floated for several influential positions, including White House chief of staff and a possible replacement for Rubio as secretary of state," sources familiar with internal discussions said.
Neither Rubio nor White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has publicly indicated any intention to leave the administration.
However, some people at the State Department and in Republican political circles believe Rubio could leave the administration to prepare for a future presidential campaign in 2028 or 2032. Wiles' position is also seen as being at risk within Trump's inner circle.
Several sources also said that Gor would be interested in another promotion within the State Department. One possibility would be replacing Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau, who, according to one source, allegedly said he would leave after the midterm elections if Republicans lost. However, Landau denied making such a statement in comments to the publication.
The Washington Sun also contacted Sergio Gor. He denied reports that he was interested in another job, adding that he had never discussed the possibility of moving to a different position with anyone.
"This story is complete and total bullshit. 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 honor of a lifetime. I have zero interest in any other role," he told the media outlet.
Republicans' election defeat
On November 3, the United States held midterm elections to Congress, in which Democrats took control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The newly elected lawmakers will take office in early January 2027.
Meanwhile, CBS News reports that the Republicans' crushing defeat could trigger high-profile departures in the United States. Sources say one possibility is replacing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as he was among those who pushed Trump to launch the war against Iran and successfully bring it to an end.
