Trump’s newly appointed Hollywood ambassadors aim to bring fresh energy to the industry, as challenges continue to mount in Tinseltown
Credit : Shutterstock, Larry Gibson
Donald Trump names Mel Gibson, Jon Voight, and Sylvester Stallone as ‘Hollywood ambassadors’
Donald Trump has appointed three of his most vocal celebrity supporters—Mel Gibson, Jon Voight, and Sylvester Stallone—as ‘special ambassadors’ to Hollywood. Announced just days before his inauguration, the move has raised eyebrows across the entertainment industry, with many questioning what the trio will actually do.
Trump’s plan to revive Hollywood’s golden age
Trump unveiled the appointments on Truth Social, declaring his intention to restore Hollywood’s former glory. “It is my honour to announce Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as Special Ambassadors to Hollywood,” he wrote. “These three talented individuals will help bring Hollywood back—bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. They will be my eyes and ears, and we will return to the Golden Age of Hollywood!”
The announcement comes at a time of turbulence for the film industry. Struggling to recover from the pandemic, Hollywood has faced declining box office revenues, with last year’s earnings falling 23.5% short of pre-pandemic levels. The dual writers’ and actors’ strikes of 2023 further compounded these challenges, leaving the industry desperate for revitalisation.
Hollywood divided over Trump’s celebrity ambassadors
The appointment of Gibson, Voight, and Stallone has sparked debate. All three are well-known Trump supporters, but they are also no strangers to controversy.
Mel Gibson, who has faced public backlash for past racist and antisemitic comments, recently lost his home in the California wildfires. Reacting to the announcement, Gibson said, “I found out about it the same way you did—through Trump’s social media. I was surprised, but I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
Jon Voight, a long-time Trump ally who received the National Medal of the Arts from him in 2019, is famous for his outspoken political views. Voight’s strained relationship with his daughter, Angelina Jolie, and his controversial remarks about global humanitarian issues have frequently made headlines.
Sylvester Stallone, meanwhile, has publicly praised Trump, likening him to George Washington during a campaign event last November. “Nobody could’ve achieved what Trump has. He’s truly one of a kind,” Stallone said at the time.
California wildfires deepen Hollywood’s ongoing crisis
Trump’s announcement coincides with ongoing devastation in southern California caused by wildfires. The fires, which have claimed 25 lives, displaced tens of thousands, and caused over $250 billion in damages, have severely disrupted the film and television industry. Many in Hollywood have lost their homes, adding another layer of difficulty for an already struggling industry.
It remains unclear what Gibson, Voight, and Stallone’s ambassadorial roles will entail or whether they will attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday. The event is set to feature performances by long-time Trump supporters such as Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, and Kid Rock.
For now, Trump’s plan to revitalise Hollywood has succeeded in sparking conversation, but whether it will deliver meaningful results remains to be seen. As the entertainment industry watches closely, the spotlight is now on Trump’s Hollywood ambassadors and how they will navigate this bold but divisive assignment.
Read the full article here
