Trump Advisor Sergio Gor Fueled the President’s Tensions With Musk by Being a Major Factor in Rescinding NASA Pick
President Donald Trump’s abrupt withdrawal of Jared Isaacman’s nomination to lead NASA appears to have been a major turning point in his relationship with Elon Musk.
The decision followed Musk’s departure from a White House meeting on Friday and reportedly deepened tensions between the two men.
Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur and pilot, had a close working relationship with Musk. He flew to space in 2024 aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule as part of Operation Polaris Dawn.
Although Isaacman had recently passed Senate committee approval in April, his nomination was suddenly rescinded by Trump over the weekend.
Concerns arose about Isaacman’s political affiliations, particularly past donations to Democratic candidates, including those who opposed Republican Senate contenders Tim Sheehy of Montana and Bernie Moreno of Ohio in 2024.
Trump advisor Sergio Gor, who oversees the White House personnel office, reportedly played a central role in the decision to revoke the nomination.
According to Axios, Gor presented Trump with a list of Isaacman’s past contributions to Democrats and expressed opposition to Musk’s influence on staffing decisions.
The relationship between Gor and Musk had reportedly been strained, and some officials believe Gor acted intentionally to undermine Musk’s recommendation, according to the Daily Mail.
One unnamed White House official was quoted describing the move as, “Sergio’s out-the-door ‘f**k you’ to Musk.”
Trump and Elon Musk had discussed Isaacman’s background before a press event last Friday.
Despite that conversation, Trump announced on Saturday that Isaacman’s nomination was being formally withdrawn.
“After a thorough review of prior associations, I am hereby withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head NASA,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
Photos from the White House showed Gor among senior aides, including Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, on the South Lawn before Trump boarded Marine One.
Musk responded publicly to the news, praising Isaacman as both highly capable and kind-hearted in a post on his X platform.
Trump later addressed the situation in remarks made Thursday, attributing Musk’s reaction to the nomination reversal.
“I know that disturbed him,” Trump said of Musk. “He wanted and rightfully recommended somebody that I guess he knew very well.”
Trump acknowledged Musk’s respect for Isaacman but justified his decision on partisan grounds.
“He happened to be a Democrat, like totally Democrat,” Trump added. “But I didn’t think it was appropriate… The administration has the right to nominate a Republican.”
The conflict surrounding the Isaacman nomination has added a new layer to the ongoing feud between Trump and Musk.
It remains unclear whether the decision will have lasting effects on future NASA leadership or on Musk’s relationship with the Trump administration.
Jared Isaacman was removed due to the lobbying of Sergio Gor, the director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office and longtime MAGA supporter.
"A source told CNN on Sunday that the president and his aides would have been well aware of Isaacman’s donation record." pic.twitter.com/HjLK4UZKzi
— Joey – IGW (@joeyigw) June 1, 2025
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