Sylvester Stallone expressed surprise at being appointed as a special ambassador to Hollywood by President Donald Trump. Just days before Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025, Trump announced on Truth Social that Stallone, along with Mel Gibson and Jon Voight, would serve as ‘Special Envoys.’ Their role was to advise him on boosting film and television production in the U.S.
Unexpected Announcement
Stallone, 80, disclosed in an interview with The Sunday Times that he found out about the appointment while watching TV. ‘I was watching TV one night, and they go, ‘So Stallone and Mel Gibson and Jon Voight will be …’ And I went, ‘What?’ I said, ‘Excuse me? Really?’ Because if they had asked me in the beginning, I would have said, ‘This is not possible,’ he said.
The actor felt hesitant about the role, doubting its feasibility. ‘Hollywood is like feudal states,’ he noted. ‘You don’t go in and tell six studios how to do things.’ He later communicated to Trump that he did not think the role was workable because ‘Hollywood works, and it will evolve.’
Trump’s Vision for Hollywood
On January 16, 2025, Trump shared his ambitions for Hollywood on Truth Social, stating his aim to restore it to its former glory. ‘Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone will be my eyes and ears,’ he wrote, emphasizing their talents in advising him.
While Gibson acknowledged being surprised by the announcement, he expressed a willingness to contribute. ‘I got the tweet at the same time as all of you and was just as surprised. Nonetheless, I heed the call,’ he shared.
Stallone’s Political Stance
Despite uncertainties about his ambassador role, Stallone shares a cordial relationship with Trump. After Trump’s election win in November 2024, Stallone commended him during a speech, drawing comparisons to ‘mythical’ figures like George Washington.
Though Stallone has leaned towards Republican figures like John McCain and Trump, his political donations have historically supported both parties, including contributions to Democratic campaigns.
Voight’s Active Role
Jon Voight, a staunch Trump supporter, has taken to his ambassador role with enthusiasm. He has engaged with the White House to advocate for measures to bring production back to the U.S., such as a federal film tax incentive.
Trump supports these initiatives, emphasizing the need for legislation to boost the American entertainment industry. In a recent Truth Social post, he described Hollywood as a ‘Complete and Total Disaster’ and called for bipartisan legislative action.
Voight confirmed that although Stallone and Gibson have been busy with their careers, Stallone has been involved in supporting these initiatives.