President-elect Donald Trump has announced that actors Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight will serve as his “special ambassadors” to Hollywood. In a statement shared on Truth Social Thursday, Trump praised the trio as talented, loyal figures who could help restore the film and television industries to their former glory.
The announcement comes at a time when Hollywood faces significant challenges, including the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, prolonged labor strikes, and shifting global dynamics.
“Hollywood is a great but very troubled place,” Trump wrote. “These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest. It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood!”
The specific duties and scope of authority for Stallone, Gibson, and Voight in their roles remain unclear, and Trump’s transition team has not yet responded to requests for comment.
However, the move has already garnered widespread attention, signaling Trump’s intention to bring Hollywood closer to his administration’s vision of cultural and economic revitalization.
All three actors have been vocal supporters of Trump. Jon Voight, an Academy Award-winning actor, has long been one of Trump’s most outspoken celebrity allies. In 2019, Voight hailed Trump as “the greatest president of this century” and was later honored with the National Medal of Arts by Trump himself.
Mel Gibson, best known for his roles in Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ, hinted in 2024 that he supported Trump’s candidacy. In a video, Gibson called it a “pretty good guess” when asked if he voted for Trump, adding, “I know what it will be like if we let her in ... and that ain’t good,” referring to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Sylvester Stallone, the star of the Rocky and Rambo franchises, has also been a consistent advocate for Trump. Stallone frequently visits Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort and introduced the president-elect at a gala in November, shortly after his second electoral victory.
At the event, Stallone compared Trump to a historical figure of immense importance. “We’re in the presence of a really mythical character,” Stallone said. “Nobody in the world could’ve pulled off what he pulled off, so I’m in awe.”
Stallone also called Trump the “second George Washington,” emphasizing his admiration for Trump’s leadership and resilience.
Hollywood, a long-standing cultural cornerstone of America, has experienced turbulent times in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted film production and distribution, while prolonged labor strikes have added to the uncertainty.
Trump’s decision to appoint ambassadors to the entertainment capital reflects his intention to address these issues while bridging the gap between Hollywood and his administration.
Trump’s choice of Stallone, Gibson, and Voight has sparked mixed reactions, as all three actors have faced controversies in their careers. Nonetheless, their shared commitment to conservative values and their public support of Trump make them fitting representatives of his agenda.
Trump’s focus on Hollywood also aligns with his broader goal of cultural and economic revitalization, framing the entertainment industry as a crucial element of his vision for America.
While questions remain about the specifics of their roles, Trump’s announcement underscores his belief in the transformative power of culture and the importance of using high-profile figures to achieve his objectives.
By tapping into the star power of Stallone, Gibson, and Voight, Trump aims to foster a renewed sense of purpose and creativity in Hollywood, aligning it with his administration’s goals for the nation’s future.