Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone have been named as special ambassadors to Hollywood by President-elect Donald Trump. Known for their celebrated careers in film and vocal support for Trump, the trio will play a key role in efforts to revitalize the entertainment industry.
Here’s a detailed look at their new roles, Hollywood’s ongoing challenges, and what this announcement means for the industry’s future.
Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone named as special ambassadors
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed actors Mel Gibson, Sylvester Stallone, and Jon Voight as “special ambassadors” tasked with revitalizing the business landscape in Hollywood.
Announced on Truth Social four days before his inauguration, Trump described their roles as his “eyes and ears” to address industry challenges and restore its “Golden Age.” The exact responsibilities of the appointees remain unclear. They are expected to propose ways to improve Hollywood’s economic conditions.
Gibson, Stallone, and Voight have been vocal Trump supporters in recent years. Gibson expressed surprise at the appointment, saying he learned of it through social media. Stallone compared Trump to George Washington during a Mar-a-Lago speech. Voight, a long-time Trump advocate, praised the effort to rejuvenate Hollywood. He highlighted its economic decline and struggles with the pandemic, labor strikes, and streaming competition.
Recent years have brought significant financial setbacks to Hollywood. U.S. box office revenues in 2024 dropped to $8.7 billion, marking a 23.5% decline from 2019. Ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles have further worsened the situation, causing an estimated $250 billion in damages, per Variety. The industry continues to recover as the ambassadors step into their newly appointed roles.
Trump’s announcement highlights his engagement with the entertainment industry. Despite past controversies involving Hollywood and policies targeting the sector, this move seeks to use celebrity influence to address its economic and structural problems.
