Sylvester Stallone expressed surprise upon learning about President Donald Trump’s announcement naming him as a special ambassador to Hollywood. Trump made the announcement just before his second inauguration in January 2025, using his platform Truth Social to identify Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight as “Special Envoys.” The role, as outlined by Trump, was to help bring film and television production back to the United States.
In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, the 80-year-old “Rocky” star mentioned he discovered his appointment while watching television. Stallone recalled, “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?’ Because if they had asked me in the beginning, I would have said, ‘This is not possible.’”
Stallone admitted he had concerns about the role, primarily because he felt it wouldn’t be practical. When asked if he had any doubts following Trump’s announcement, he replied, “Yes. Yes, because Hollywood, I guess it’s like feudal states.” He elaborated, stating, “They have their little kingdoms. You don’t go in and tell six studios how to do things. And Mel Gibson and Jon Voight, we’re kind of do-our-own-thing people. No, it won’t work.” Later, he conveyed his feelings to Trump directly, saying, “I said thank you and ciao, because it’s impossible. Hollywood works, and it will evolve.” He further expressed, “It’s corporate, and corporate people won’t want to hear me tell them about finance.”
Trump, in an initial post dated January 16, 2025, expressed pride in naming the trio as ambassadors for Hollywood, which he described as a troubled area, aiming to restore its prominence in film production. He stated they would act as his eyes and ears, pledging that their suggestions would help revive the film industry to its former glory.
Interestingly, Gibson, who is 70, also mentioned he was taken aback by Trump’s announcement and had no prior knowledge of his role in the presidential appointment. He commented, “I got the tweet at the same time as all of you and was just as surprised,” while humorously wondering if the position came with an ambassador’s residence.
Although Stallone may not have been enthusiastic about his designated role, he seems to maintain a friendly rapport with Trump, having praised him during a speech after Trump’s victory in the November 2024 election. At the America First Policy Institute Gala, Stallone remarked, “We’re in the presence of a really mythical character,” admiring Trump’s unique capabilities. He likened Trump to George Washington, asserting, “We got the second George Washington.”
Later in 2025, Stallone was recognized as a Kennedy Center honoree, with Trump naming him alongside other notable recipients. It’s worth noting that while Stallone has historically supported various Republican figures, he has also contributed to Democratic causes, highlighting a more complex political stance.
In contrast, Jon Voight, who is a dedicated Trump supporter, seems to have embraced his ambassadorial role, actively working with the White House to advocate for policies aimed at boosting film and television production in the U.S. He has met with Trump and supports a federal film tax incentive, collaborating with his manager to advance his causes.
After a meeting with Stallone and Gibson, Trump expressed support for a federal film production incentive, calling on Congress to act to protect the American entertainment industry. He took to Truth Social to criticize Hollywood as a “Complete and Total Disaster,” emphasizing the need for legislative action to support the film business.
Voight, addressing the involvement of Stallone and Gibson in his efforts, confirmed they’ve been active, although Stallone has also been busy with his television project. Nonetheless, Voight noted that Stallone signed their letter of advocacy for the cause.
