In a bold move that has sparked conversations across the entertainment industry, former U.S.President Donald Trump has named three iconic actors—Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone—as Special Ambassadors to Hollywood. The announcement,made via his Truth Social platform,positions the trio as key figures tasked with revitalizing the entertainment hub,which has faced critically important challenges in recent years.
“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,” Trump declared. He emphasized their mission to restore Hollywood’s global dominance, stating, “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 appointments come as no surprise, given the actors’ longstanding ties to Trump. Voight, 86, has been a vocal supporter, even hailing Trump as the greatest president since Abraham Lincoln. Stallone, 78, famously introduced Trump at his post-election victory speech at Mar-a-Lago, drawing parallels between the former president and George Washington. “Without him,you can imagine what the world would look like?” Stallone remarked. Meanwhile, Gibson, 69, humorously inquired, “Any chance the position comes with an Ambassador’s residence?” following the loss of his home in the Los Angeles wildfires.
Hollywood, however, remains skeptical. Industry analyst Lucas Shaw expressed doubts about the trio’s ability to address the sector’s deeper issues.”He [Trump] sees them as allies, and he can use them to talk about change in Hollywood, but I don’t imagine you’re going to have Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone and mel Gibson trying to figure out how to restore the cable bundle, or make streaming more profitable, or figure out how to make China import more Hollywood movies,” Shaw noted.
The announcement highlights the complex relationship between Trump and Hollywood, a dynamic marked by both collaboration and conflict. While the entertainment industry played a pivotal role in trump’s rise to fame through The Apprentice, it has also been a source of criticism and tension over the years. Whether Voight, Gibson, and Stallone can bridge this divide and breathe new life into Hollywood remains to be seen, but their appointment has undoubtedly set the stage for a engaging chapter in the industry’s history.
The Tangled Relationship Between Trump and Hollywood
When Donald Trump entered the political arena, his complex relationship with Hollywood took center stage. Once a figure embraced by the entertainment world for his business acumen, his presidency marked a sharp divergence. His rise to the White House placed him at odds with an industry known for its liberal leanings.
“Hollywood tends to donate to and support Democrats more than Republicans,and so it serves as an effective industry for him to criticise,” noted an analyst. This dynamic allowed Trump to paint Hollywood elites as out of touch, often branding them as “rich fat cats who don’t have your interests in mind.”
A String of Controversies
In August 2019, during his first term, Trump accused the film industry of being “racist” and creating “very dangerous” movies. These remarks were sparked by the controversy surrounding the release of *the Hunt*, a film depicting elites hunting people for sport.Speaking outside the White House, he declared that Hollywood was doing a ”tremendous disservice to the contry” by producing content that incites violence and division.
The following year, Trump turned his attention to the Academy Awards after the South Korean film *Parasite* won Best Picture. He questioned how a foreign production could claim the top honor, suggesting it was undeserving. This critique further fueled tensions between him and the global film community.
Celebrity Backlash and Policy Moves
Trump’s policies on immigration, climate change, and social justice have drawn fierce criticism from A-list celebrities. stars like meryl Streep and Robert De Niro have been vocal in their opposition. At the same time, his administration targeted Hollywood through measures such as ending tax breaks for film production in certain states.
Hollywood’s Current Challenges
Amid these tensions, Los Angeles, the epicenter of the entertainment industry, faces its own battles. Deadly wildfires have ravaged the region, destroying thousands of homes and businesses. The estimated damages exceed $250 billion, leaving the industry grappling with recovery efforts.
As Trump’s presidency unfolded, his relationship with Hollywood became emblematic of the broader cultural and political divides in America. Whether through sharp critiques or policy decisions,his impact on the entertainment world remains a defining chapter of his tenure.
