Erika Kirk remembers late husband at Sergio Gor’s swearing-in: 'Charlie loved you'

WASHINGTON, DC: Erika Kirk delivered an emotional tribute during the swearing-in ceremony of Sergio Gor as the new US ambassador to India at the White House on Monday, November 10. She reflected on her late husband Charlie Kirk’s friendship with him.

Speaking inside the Oval Office, Erika Kirk, who now leads Turning Point USA after her husband’s death in September, said it was “hard not to get emotional,” recalling how much Charlie Kirk admired and respected Gor.

"It's hard not to get emotional, because I know that he would have been the first phone call when he found out that you were going to be taking this position," she told Gor.

Trump invited Erika Kirk to speak after swearing-in 

Erika Kirk said about Gor and Charlie's relationship, "The way that I was able to witness the two of you work together for years and to champion and support the president was absolutely humbling to witness."

“I am so proud of you, and Charlie is going to be with you every single day in spirit,” she added.

After administering the oath of office, President Donald Trump also paused to acknowledge Kirk’s presence, noting her late husband’s close friendship with the newly appointed ambassador.

“Well, he was also very good friends with a guy named Charlie,” Trump said. “We just knew him as Charlie, and his wife, who we love so much, is here with us. Maybe, Erika, you could say a couple of words, please.”

Taking over, Erika thanked the president and praised Gor’s appointment.

“Charlie loved you,” she said. “I will be praying for you every day because I know that this is just the beginning of an incredible opportunity for you.”

Sergio Gor takes on key diplomatic role

Sergio Gor, a longtime conservative strategist and publisher, formally took office as US ambassador to India during the ceremony.

His appointment comes amid ongoing efforts by Washington to strengthen strategic and economic ties with New Delhi.

Trump, during the ceremony, said, "It's an honor to be here for our friend Sergio Gor. Today, we're thrilled to be at a swearing-in for the next Ambassador to India, and Special Envoy to South and Central Asia, which is a big deal- and Sergio will handle it better than anybody could handle it."

He further added, "We hired 4,000 appointees across every federal department in record time, including over 1,000 appointments on day one."

"Under Sergio Gor's leadership, federal agencies and departments reached staffing levels of 95% and that's faster than any administration in modern day history," the president claimed.

Gor, in his reply, said that he would try to enhance the relationship between the countries.  "It's just an incredible honor, and I look forward to enhancing the relationship between our two nations," he said.