Donald Trump, the US President-elect, has appointed three iconic movie stars – Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight – as special ambassadors to Hollywood in an effort to strengthen and revive the entertainment industry. The announcement, made on Trump's Truth Social platform, marks a significant move as Trump aims to bring Hollywood back to its former glory after it reportedly lost business to foreign countries in recent years. With Trump’s focus on boosting American industries, he believes these renowned figures, who have long been supportive of him, will play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.
Sylvester Stallone, known for his roles in the Rocky and Rambo franchises, has not only made a name for himself in Hollywood but has also publicly shown his admiration for Trump, calling him the “second George Washington.” Despite facing sexual assault allegations, all of which he has denied, Stallone remains a towering figure in entertainment. In 2018, prosecutors decided not to pursue a case against him due to insufficient evidence, but his political views have made him a strong ally of Trump’s, which he now brings to the table as a special envoy.
Mel Gibson’s career has been a rollercoaster ride, with multiple controversies over the years. His reputation took a hit after his 2006 arrest for driving under the influence, during which he made anti-Semitic remarks. Later scandals, including leaked racist audio from 2010, followed him through Hollywood, but Gibson has managed a comeback in recent years. His experience with personal controversies, and his support for Trump, make him a suitable candidate to bring Hollywood back on track.
Jon Voight, an Oscar-winning actor known for his role in Midnight Cowboy, also shares his allegiance to Trump. His involvement with the president goes beyond just political support, as Voight's personal reputation has occasionally made headlines. In 2020, actor Frank Whaley accused Voight of slapping him on the set of Ray Donovan, though Voight has largely stayed away from public controversy, mainly sticking to his pro-Trump stance.
Trump’s selection of these individuals for such an important role in Hollywood underscores the divide within the entertainment industry. While the majority of Hollywood has leaned liberal and supported Democratic politicians, these three stars stand as notable conservative figures. Through them, Trump hopes to bring forth a new era in Hollywood, reigniting American dominance in the film industry and restoring what he refers to as the “Golden Age.”