Stallone Surprised by Appointment as Hollywood Ambassador by Trump

Sylvester Stallone admitted surprise when President Donald Trump named him a Hollywood ambassador.

Prior to his second inauguration in January 2025, Trump announced via Truth Social that Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight would serve as ‘Special Envoys.’ Their role was intended to advise Trump on revitalizing U.S. film and TV production.

Stallone, aged 80, recounted during The Sunday Times interview discovering his appointment via television. Watching TV, Stallone heard the announcement and reacted with disbelief. ‘If they had asked me earlier, I’d have said it was impossible,’ Stallone noted.

Concerned about the practicality of the role, Stallone expressed skepticism. ‘Hollywood resembles feudal states,’ he remarked, explaining that directives wouldn’t be welcomed by studios. As independent personalities, Stallone, Gibson, and Voight agreed it wouldn’t succeed.

‘Thank you and ciao, because it’s impossible,’ Stallone addressed Trump, citing Hollywood’s inherent corporate nature.

In Trump’s January 2025 post, he hailed the actors as key figures in a bid to reclaim lost entertainment business. His vision was to restore Hollywood’s former glory, asserting that Stallone, Gibson, and Voight’s influence would lead this charge.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson responded critically, condemning Hollywood’s political landscape and celebrity culture.

Gibson, likewise caught off guard, acknowledged his surprise when informed. His response to Variety: ‘I was as surprised as anyone.’ He humorously queried if the role included an ambassador’s residence.

Despite doubts, Stallone maintained a favorable rapport with Trump. Following the November 2024 election, Stallone complimented Trump at a gala event describing him as mythic. He likened Trump’s achievements to those of George Washington, indicating awe at Trump’s political feats.

Stallone was later named a 2025 Kennedy Center honoree, alongside notable figures like George Strait and KISS.

Stallone’s political interests lie across party lines. He has supported both Republicans and Democrats, including Trump, John McCain, Joe Biden, and the Democratic National Committee.

Conversely, Voight actively embraced his ambassadorial role. Engaging with the White House, Voight pushed for a federal film tax incentive to bolster U.S. film productions. Trump’s recent post on August 31 criticized Hollywood’s decline and advocated for new legislation supporting American entertainment ventures.

California politicians, Senator Adam Schiff and Representative Laura Friedman, expressed bipartisan support for the initiative.

Voight assured The Hollywood Reporter that Stallone and Gibson contribute to his mission, albeit occupied with other commitments.