On August 22nd, US President Trump announced his nomination of Sergio Gore, currently Director of the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, as US Ambassador to India. Gore, 38, has been described by Trump as a "longtime friend." He is known in the media for his low profile, while prominent American entrepreneur Elon Musk, while serving as head of the Government Effectiveness Department, once called Gore a "venomous snake." Trump's nomination comes amidst heightened tensions between the US and India. Politico, citing sources, reported that by appointing a close confidant as ambassador to India, Trump is signaling to the Modi government that "negotiations between the two sides need to be taken seriously, and all information released by Gore after taking office will come directly from Trump himself."