Donald Trump Appoints Sylvester Stallone, Jon Voight and Mel Gibson as Special Hollywood Ambassadors to “Make Hollywood Great Again”

Donald Trump, now president-elect for his second term, has made a bold—and some might say theatrical—move in his latest bid to extend influence beyond politics. By appointing three of Hollywood’s most vocal supporters—Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone—as Special Ambassadors to the entertainment industry, Trump is signaling a peculiar mix of political strategy and cultural nostalgia.

The announcement came via Trump’s Truth Social account on Thursday, where the president-elect stated his ambitions clearly. “It is my honor to announce Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone, to be Special Ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California,” he wrote. “They will serve as Special Envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to foreign countries, BACK—BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!”

The trio’s mission, as described, will involve acting as Trump’s “eyes and ears” in Tinseltown to reverse what he claims is a decline in the American entertainment industry. Trump’s use of terms like the “Golden Age of Hollywood” harks back to a bygone era, one where the U.S. dominated global film and television markets—a time Trump apparently hopes to restore.

Why Hollywood, and Why Now?

This latest move underscores Trump’s ability to frame cultural debates as extensions of his political platform. Hollywood, often perceived as a bastion of liberal ideology, has long been a convenient target for his criticism. But this announcement reveals a more calculated strategy: reviving the industry not just as a cultural powerhouse, but as an economic engine tied to American identity.

While specifics about their roles remain vague, the timing is significant. Trump’s cabinet confirmations are underway, and this gesture of appointing ambassadors to Hollywood signals his intent to influence not only Washington but also American culture at large.

The context is also worth noting. Trump’s claims about Hollywood losing business to foreign markets mirror broader concerns in industries like manufacturing and technology. The narrative ties into his broader economic messaging—one of reclaiming “lost” American greatness.

The Chosen Trio

Each of the three appointees brings a distinct flavor to Trump’s Hollywood strategy.

• Jon Voight: An Academy Award-winning actor and father of Angelina Jolie, Voight has been a staunch Trump supporter for years, often praising his leadership in public forums.
• Mel Gibson: Known for his controversial public statements and cinematic hits like Braveheart, Gibson endorsed Trump during the 2024 election, solidifying his place as an ally of the administration.
• Sylvester Stallone: A cultural icon thanks to his roles in Rocky and Rambo, Stallone introduced Trump during his victory event at Mar-a-Lago, calling him “the second George Washington.”

Their loyalty to Trump—and willingness to navigate Hollywood’s polarizing landscape—likely earned them these roles. Gibson, for instance, joked about his surprise at the appointment, quipping, “I got the tweet at the same time as all of you. Nevertheless, I heed the call.”

Hollywood’s Mixed Reactions

While Trump’s supporters applauded the move as a creative way to reinvigorate the entertainment industry, critics questioned the practicality of appointing symbolic ambassadors to tackle such a broad and complex issue. On social media, reactions ranged from cautious optimism to outright skepticism, with one commenter noting, “This feels more like a spectacle than a strategy.”

The skepticism isn’t entirely unwarranted. Hollywood’s challenges—ranging from pandemic-related disruptions to competition from international markets—are deeply entrenched. Whether a trio of veteran actors can impact such systemic issues remains to be seen.

A Cultural and Economic Gamble

Trump’s Hollywood initiative could serve as a test case for his broader political strategy, which often blends nostalgia with populist rhetoric. By invoking the “Golden Age” of Hollywood, Trump appeals to a sense of lost grandeur that resonates with his base.

However, whether this move translates into tangible results or becomes another headline-grabbing spectacle depends on execution. For now, Trump’s Hollywood gambit is as much a symbol of his broader ambitions as it is a potential policy initiative.

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** FAQs**

Q1: What is the purpose of appointing Special Ambassadors to Hollywood?
A: Trump aims to revitalize the American entertainment industry by addressing economic and cultural challenges, hoping to restore Hollywood’s former global dominance.

Q2: Who are the appointed Hollywood Ambassadors?
A: Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone have been named as Special Ambassadors to Hollywood under Trump’s administration.

Q3: How will these ambassadors contribute to the entertainment industry?
A: While specific duties remain unclear, they are expected to act as Trump’s advisors and advocates for bringing production and business back to Hollywood.

Q4: What has been the reaction to Trump’s appointments?
A: Reactions have been mixed, with supporters praising the initiative and critics questioning its practicality and potential impact.