Trump Aide Born in Uzbekistan Sparks Controversy Over Hidden Origins
A senior official in Donald Trump’s team has come under scrutiny after revelations that he misrepresented his birthplace. Sergio Gor, 38, who oversees the vetting of over 4,000 political appointees, had claimed for years to be from Malta. However, official documents uncovered by the Times of Malta confirm he was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Authorities find no record of Maltese birth
Maltese authorities confirmed they have no birth records for Gor. When confronted, he avoided a direct answer and simply stated he «was not born in Russia.»
Documents linked to a 2021 real estate purchase in Malta clearly list Uzbekistan as his place of birth. Journalists also discovered that Gor was born on November 30, 1986. His mother, Liya Gorokhovskaya, emigrated from Uzbekistan and registered a business in Malta in 1994, declaring Israeli nationality.
Security clearance under threat
The revelation raises serious concerns about Gor’s access to sensitive information. He has yet to submit Form SF-86, a mandatory document for permanent clearance to classified material. While the White House insists he has completed the form, no evidence has been released to support this claim.
Gor’s temporary clearance expires in July. Without it, his authority to manage White House appointments could be suspended.
Trump’s inner circle taken by surprise
Sources close to the Trump administration expressed concern and confusion. Some believe Gor may have intentionally concealed his background to avoid scrutiny. The controversy is already casting a shadow over his role in the administration.
From aide to entrepreneur
Before joining Trump’s team, Gor served as an aide to Senator Rand Paul. During the break between Trump’s presidencies, he built a fortune through a publishing venture. One of his projects included a photo book with Trump, which helped him purchase a Florida mansion worth around $3 mln.
Gor returned to the spotlight in June 2025, when he took responsibility for a public dispute between Trump and Elon Musk.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Donald Trump warned that all countries aligned with BRICS’s «anti-American policy» will face a 10% tariff — with no exceptions.
