Donald Trump has announced the appointment of three special ambassadors to Hollywood, California: Mel Gibson, Jon Voight, and Sylvester Stallone. The announcement, made on Truth Social, comes just four days before Trump's inauguration. The trio, known for their longstanding support of Trump, have been chosen to assist in revitalizing Hollywood, with the aim of bringing the industry "back, bigger, and stronger than ever before." However, the specific responsibilities of these new roles remain unclear.
The appointments occur at a challenging time for Southern California, as wildfires continue to ravage the region. These fires have not only caused significant disruption in the film and television industry but have also resulted in the loss of lives and properties. The fires have killed 25 people and displaced tens of thousands, with damages estimated at over $250 billion. Many in Hollywood have lost their homes, further complicating the industry's recovery efforts.
The US box office has also been struggling to regain its footing post-pandemic and following the dual writers/actors strikes in 2023. Last year's box office revenue of $8.7 billion marked a 3.3% decline from 2023 and a 23.5% drop from pre-pandemic figures in 2019. In this context, Trump's move to appoint high-profile figures as ambassadors appears to be an attempt to win back Hollywood's support, which predominantly favored Kamala Harris during the 2024 election.
Jon Voight, a vocal supporter of Trump who has likened him to a "second George Washington," is among those tapped for the role. Sylvester Stallone, who has supported Trump on the campaign trail, expressed admiration for Trump, stating:
"Nobody in the world could’ve pulled off what he pulled off, so I’m in awe." – Sylvester Stallone
The announcement has not been without controversy. Mel Gibson's past racist and antisemitic remarks have resurfaced, drawing criticism from many in Hollywood. Despite this, a celebratory ceremony is planned to mark the appointments, with performances by Kid Rock and Jason Aldean, and Carrie Underwood singing "America the Beautiful."