Trump Announces Hollywood Ambassadors: A New Strategy Unfolds

Hollywood sign on hill surrounded by trees and buildings.

President-elect Trump appoints Hollywood icons as special ambassadors to revitalize the struggling film industry.

At a Glance

  • Trump names Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as Special Ambassadors to Hollywood.
  • The initiative aims to boost Hollywood’s business and combat international competition.
  • Appointments announced on Trump’s Truth Social platform.
  • Move reflects Trump’s vision to restore American cinema’s global dominance.
  • Specific roles and responsibilities of the ambassadors remain unclear.

Trump’s Bold Move to Revive Hollywood

In a surprising announcement, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed three Hollywood heavyweights as Special Ambassadors to the film industry. Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone have been tasked with revitalizing what Trump calls a “very troubled” Hollywood. The move comes as part of Trump’s strategy to bolster American cinema’s position against growing international competition.

Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, stating, “It is my honor to announce Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone, to be Special Ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California.” The President-elect emphasized the need to bring back business that has been lost to foreign countries in recent years.

Star-Studded Ambassadors: Their Roles and Reactions

The three chosen ambassadors have all been vocal supporters of Trump. Sylvester Stallone, known for his iconic roles in “Rocky” and “Rambo,” praised Trump as the “second George Washington.” Stallone expressed admiration for Trump’s achievements, stating, “We are in the presence of a really mythical character. Nobody in the world could have pulled off what he pulled off, so I’m in awe.”

Mel Gibson, while surprised by his appointment, expressed readiness to assist the administration. Gibson has been a supporter of Trump in the 2024 election and has been critical of Vice President Kamala Harris’s track record and policies. Jon Voight, a longtime Trump supporter, has previously declared Trump the “greatest president since Abraham Lincoln.” Voight received the National Medal of Arts during Trump’s first administration.

Challenges Facing Hollywood and Skepticism About the Initiative

The film industry has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including the pandemic, labor strikes, and fierce competition from streaming services. While Trump’s initiative aims to address these issues, some industry analysts remain skeptical about its potential effectiveness.

Lucas Shaw, an industry analyst, expressed doubt about the new envoys’ ability to address Hollywood’s complex issues. He pointed out that while these celebrities may be able to discuss change in Hollywood, they might not have the expertise to tackle specific industry challenges such as restoring the cable bundle, improving streaming profitability, or navigating international markets.

“He [Trump] sees them as allies, and he can use them to talk about change in Hollywood, but I don’t imagine you’re going to have John Voight and Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson trying to figure out how to restore the cable bundle, or make streaming more profitable, or figure out how to make China import more Hollywood movies.” – Lucas Shaw

Trump’s Contentious Relationship with Hollywood

Trump’s relationship with Hollywood has been tumultuous, with the industry often supporting Democrats. The President-elect has criticized Hollywood for producing content he views as divisive and has targeted the industry with certain policies. This appointment of special ambassadors could be seen as an attempt to bridge the gap between Trump’s administration and the entertainment industry.

As Trump prepares for his inauguration, the effectiveness of this unique initiative remains to be seen. The specific roles and responsibilities of these Hollywood ambassadors are yet to be clarified. However, the move undoubtedly signals Trump’s intention to leave a lasting impact on the American film industry and its global standing.

Sources:

  1. Trump names Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson and Jon Voight as special ambassadors to ‘very troubled’ Hollywood
  2. Trump names Gibson, Stallone and Voight Hollywood ambassadors
  3. Mel Gibson ‘just as surprised’ as anyone to be named Trump ‘special envoy’ to Hollywood