California-born Indian-American lawyer Ricky Gill and former State Department official David Feith are likely to take senior positions in Donald Trump’s National Security Council (NSC), if the former president is going to make a comeback to the White House. Both are expected to have crucial roles in deciding the policy for South Asia and national security with respect to technology.
Ricky Gill will replace Lindsey Ford at National Security Council
If confirmed, Gill, 37, would probably be the new NSC Senior Director for South Asia, replacing Lindsey Ford, who is currently dealing with India matters. Gill has a long resume of service, having previously spent time as the NSC Director for Europe and Russian Affairs under Trump in his first term. He also worked as a senior advisor in the State Department’s Bureau of Overseas Building Operations from 2017-2020.
Born to Sikh parents in California, Gill’s political career started when he was just a teenager as he joined the California State Board of Education. Later, he attended Princeton University and UC Berkeley, and when he was 25 years old, he ran for a seat in the House from California. Although he lost, his campaign made headlines because of its great fundraising and endurance.
Gill is a policy advisor to TC Energy and a principal at Gill Capital Group. As Senior Director for South Asia, he will coordinate interagency meetings, provide critical policy input, and be centrally involved in bilateral negotiations with India.
What role would David Fetih pursue?
David Feith is expected to become the NSC Senior Director for Technology and National Security. A former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Feith is well-versed in U.S.-China relations. He also previously worked as a journalist and editorial writer specializing on Asian security issues.
Feith’s new role would involve shaping U.S. leadership in critical technologies, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and in initiatives like the U.S.-India Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) framework. His prior experience includes advisory roles at think tanks like the Center for a New American Security (CNAS).
Both Gill and Feith will answer directly to Michael Waltz, a choice by Donald Trump for the National Security Adviser. Both appointments are yet to be formalized, and sources believe such decisions could ultimately determine major objectives of U.S. foreign policy in case the second Trump presidency materializes.
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