President Donald Trump has appointed White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino to lead the Presidential Personnel Office while retaining his current role. The move replaces Sergio Gor, who will become U.S. Ambassador to India. The announcement comes amid an ongoing government shutdown.
On Sunday, October 12, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a key personnel change in his administration via Truth Social. He selected Dan Scavino, currently serving as White House Deputy Chief of Staff, to also head the White House Presidential Personnel Office. This office oversees the selection and appointment of nearly all government positions.
Trump praised Scavino in his post: "I am pleased to announce that the great Dan Scavino, in addition to remaining Deputy Chief of Staff of the Trump Administration, will head the White House Presidential Personnel Office, replacing Sergio Gor, who did a wonderful job in that position, and will now become the Ambassador to India." He further noted, "Dan will be responsible for the selection and appointment of almost all positions in government, a very big and important position. Congratulations Dan, you will do a fantastic job!"
Sergio Gor's transition to the ambassadorship in India marks a shift in top administrative roles. The appointment occurs against the backdrop of a government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, after Democrats and Republicans failed to pass a spending bill. Democrats have expressed concerns over expiring Affordable Care Act tax cuts potentially raising premiums and Medicaid cuts leaving people without coverage.
Trump has blamed Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats for the standoff. To address impacts on the military, Trump directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to ensure service members receive paychecks on October 15 despite the shutdown. Trump wrote on Truth Social: "Chuck Schumer recently said, ‘Every day gets better’ during their Radical Left Shutdown. I DISAGREE! If nothing is done, because of ‘Leader’ Chuck Schumer and the Democrats, our Brave Troops will miss the paychecks they are rightfully due on October 15th." He confirmed funds have been identified for this purpose.
Trump allies have highlighted Schumer's refusal to negotiate with Republicans as a key factor in the shutdown's continuation into its third week.