Elon Musk calls top Trump adviser a ‘snake’ amid escalating fallout over NASA pick and cabinet clashes |
In a blunt late-night post that quickly drew attention across political and tech circles, Elon Musk referred to Sergio Gor, a senior adviser to US President Donald Trump, as a “snake.” The remark, shared on Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter), came in response to a New York Post report questioning Gor’s security clearance. But the jab wasn’t just about protocol, it reflected the deep resentment Musk still harbours toward Gor, whom he holds responsible for damaging his previously strong relationship with Trump.The billionaire’s brief but sharp comment has pulled back the curtain on long-simmering internal tensions that disrupted one of the most unusual political partnerships in recent history: a high-profile alliance between the US president and the world’s richest technologist. At the centre of this unravelling? Sergio Gor, a political aide and Trump loyalist, whose quiet but strategic role in the White House appears to have contributed more to the public fallout than many realised.
Musk’s ‘snake’ remark: A personal accusation, not a policy dispute
On Wednesday night, Musk responded to a New York Post story that claimed Sergio Gor had not submitted the necessary paperwork for permanent security clearance, a requirement for someone overseeing the screening of White House personnel. While the White House immediately dismissed the claims and insisted Gor was fully compliant, Musk’s comment struck a different chord.“He’s a snake,” Musk wrote on X, echoing a personal grievance rather than questioning official procedure. For those familiar with the situation, the insult wasn’t just about security vetting. It was about loyalty, betrayal, and how one man helped sour what had once been a powerful public alliance.
How Sergio Gor strained the Musk–Trump dynamic
According to sources close to both camps, tensions between Elon Musk and Sergio Gor had been quietly building over several months. While Musk was serving as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a White House-backed role focused on technological reform, his increasing influence reportedly unsettled several senior advisers.Among them was Gor, who insiders say grew wary of Musk’s growing clout inside the administration. Gor, who manages hiring and personnel placements, reportedly began working behind the scenes to isolate Musk from Trump’s core decision-making circle. Some suggest that subtle moves, excluding Musk from key briefings, advising against certain DOGE initiatives, and fostering doubt about Musk’s loyalty, contributed to the erosion of trust between Musk and the president.This environment created friction that culminated in a public split, with Musk eventually resigning from his role and launching a wave of criticism aimed at the administration.
Trump-Musk reconciliation in public
In recent weeks, both Musk and Trump have taken steps to lower the temperature. Trump has stated publicly that he holds “no hard feelings” toward Musk and praised his intellect and business achievements. Musk, for his part, has admitted that he may have “gone too far” during the height of the rift.These statements have been interpreted as a quiet reconciliation between the two powerful figures. While they may not be working together in any formal capacity today, their interactions have become far more cordial, a stark contrast to the online fireworks of just months ago.Still, Musk’s recent comment about Gor suggests that, while fences may have been mended between him and Trump, his frustration with those he believes engineered the falling out has not disappeared.
Who is Sergio Gor
Sergio Gor has long been a fixture in Republican politics, serving in various roles including communications strategist, event organiser, and adviser. Known for his discretion and behind-the-scenes influence, Gor was appointed director of the White House personnel office during Trump’s second administration.His role includes overseeing who gets hired into thousands of federal positions, a gatekeeping power that gives him immense influence within the government. His ability to elevate or sideline individuals in policy and tech roles has made him both respected and resented.In Musk’s case, it appears Gor viewed the DOGE chief’s rapid rise and unconventional methods as disruptive to traditional political structures. While Gor has not publicly responded to Musk’s latest post, those familiar with White House operations say the tensions between them were well known internally.
