Sylvester Stallone discusses Trump’s appointment as Hollywood ambassador

Sylvester Stallone revealed that he was surprised by President Donald Trump's announcement of his appointment as a special ambassador to Hollywood. In a post on Truth Social, Trump named Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight as 'Special Envoys' to advise him on efforts to revitalize film and television production in the United States. Stallone recounted that he learned of the appointment while watching television, stating, '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?’' He expressed hesitance about the role, suggesting that Hollywood operates like 'feudal states' and that it would be challenging to influence the six major studios. Stallone explained to Trump that he believed it was 'impossible' to enact change in Hollywood, which he described as corporate and resistant to outside advice. In his announcement, Trump stated that the three actors would serve as his 'eyes and ears' in Hollywood, aiming to bring the industry 'BACK—BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!' Gibson also expressed surprise at the announcement, stating he received the news simultaneously with the public. Despite his reservations regarding the ambassador role, Stallone has previously praised Trump, referring to him as a 'mythical character' during a speech after the 2024 election. Stallone has a history of supporting both Republican and Democratic candidates, including financial contributions to various political campaigns. Voight, a strong Trump supporter, has actively engaged in efforts to promote policies that would encourage film and TV production in the US. Following meetings with Trump, Voight has advocated for a federal film tax incentive and has received support from some members of Congress for this initiative.