Powerful White House Advisor Under Scrutiny for Background Clearance

WASHINGTON – A key figure in the Trump administration, responsible for vetting thousands of staff members, has not completed the necessary self-review, according to reports. Sergio Gor, the presidential advisor who recently persuaded President Trump to withdraw a NASA nomination favored by Elon Musk, has yet to file essential documents for a permanent security clearance.

At 38, Gor oversees the selection of approximately 4,000 executive branch employees to advance Trump’s agenda. His vetting process reportedly involves examining past tweets, political donations, and public statements to ascertain loyalty to the President.

Nonetheless, three insiders from the administration revealed that Gor has not submitted his SF-86 form, a standard background document required for security clearance. This form demands answers to questions regarding an applicant’s birthplace and any foreign connections, all under the threat of criminal penalties.

Gor claims to hail from Malta, but officials there have been unable to confirm his exact birthplace. When asked, he simply noted that it is not Russia.

Sources mentioned that Gor did not file his SF-86 at the time of inquiry, but he currently holds interim security clearances like other officials in the administration awaiting final checks.

The SF-86 is the initial step toward obtaining security clearance, which everyone in similar positions is expected to complete. “It’s essential,” one source commented, noting that even people from various sectors typically fill it out.

Comments from insiders indicated that Gor’s refusal to submit the form raises questions about his motives. One source likened the situation to someone excessively resisting the process. Gor himself has voiced strong opposition to the use of SF-86 forms since the transition, fearing that a “deep state” may compromise Trump’s selections.

Insiders revealed that Gor had actively argued against needing the form, suggesting that Trump could expedite clearances without the bureaucratic process. Critics argued that this might weaponize the SF-86 requirement itself.

Typically, anyone working in the White House submits the SF-86, which starts a review involving both the FBI and the Department of Defense. However, it is not unheard of for exceptions to be made with presidential approval.

While the White House stated that Gor has completed the form, they opted not to confirm whether it was submitted. “Sergio has been skeptical of the FBI, like many in this administration,” a White House official mentioned, underscoring Gor’s interim security clearance.

A White House attorney defended Gor, asserting he complies with all legal requirements and has an active security clearance. The press director stated, “Sergio is a trusted advisor to the President and has significantly contributed to this administration.”

Ambiguous Background and Rising Influence

Gor’s position gives him substantial power, ranging from selecting ambassadors to overseeing staff for various federal agencies. He has rapidly gained attention after reportedly influencing the decision-making around Musk’s nomination for NASA.

Gor, an aide to the President and former staffer for Senator Rand Paul, has earned a reputation for enforcing loyalty within this administration. “He has one of the hardest jobs,” remarked one supporter, explaining how he often faces pushback from those unused to rejection.

Having gained notice earlier this year, Gor’s past includes co-founding a publishing firm with Donald Trump Jr., leading to a lavish lifestyle, including a sizeable apartment near Palm Beach.

Some colleagues from his tenure at the White House noted Gor often identified himself as Maltese, reflecting central aspects of his identity. They remarked, “He often talked about being from Malta and his favorite bakery.” A few even recalled him sharing specific anecdotes about his heritage.

Gor’s claims of being a Maltese immigrant have been unverified, although he has stated he moved to the U.S. as a child. The Deputy Prime Minister of Malta confirmed Gor’s early education in that country but refrained from confirming the exact details of his history.

While some have questioned whether Gor’s prominence justifies overlooking standard background checks, others view his loyalty and success as indicative of the American dream. However, the ambiguity surrounding his background has led some to wonder if there’s more to the narrative than meets the eye.