NEW YORK — Donald Trump is aiming to revitalize Hollywood, declaring his intentions to make the industry “bigger, better and stronger.” He has appointed actors Mel Gibson, Jon Voight, and Sylvester Stallone as what he refers to as his “Special Ambassadors” for Hollywood, California, which he describes as a “great but very troubled place.”
On Wednesday, Trump took to his social media platform to announce these appointments, stating that the trio would serve as his representatives within the movie-making capital. He expressed optimism for a revival, saying, “It will again be, like the United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood!”
The terms “special ambassadors” and “envoys” usually pertain to conflict-ridden areas such as the Middle East, making their assignment in California notable. In response to his unexpected appointment, Gibson stated, “I got the news at the same time as all of you and was just as surprised. Nevertheless, I heed the call. My duty as a citizen is to give any help and insight I can.” He humorously remarked about the possibility of an “Ambassador’s residence” given his recent loss of his home in the Palisades fire.
In recent years, U.S. film and television production has faced numerous obstacles, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hollywood labor strikes of 2023, and ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles region. According to ProdPro data, overall production in the U.S. has declined by 26% compared to 2021.
FilmLA notes a 5.6% decrease in productions in the greater Los Angeles area compared to 2023, marking the lowest activity level since 2020. Earlier in October, California Governor Gavin Newsom suggested expanding the Film & Television Tax Credit program from $330 million to an annual budget of $750 million. Meanwhile, cities like Atlanta, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco have attracted productions through various tax incentives. Actor Mark Wahlberg is even considering establishing a production hub in Las Vegas.
The specific roles of Gibson, Voight, and Stallone in restoring U.S. film production remain unclear, as representatives for Voight and Stallone have not responded to inquiries for further details.
Trump’s choice of these actors as his “ambassadors” reflects his nostalgic connection to the 1980s and ’90s era, during which he gained fame as a tabloid figure in New York, while Gibson and Stallone enjoyed peak popularity as iconic movie stars. Stallone, who has frequently visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, introduced him at a gala shortly following the election. During that event, Stallone remarked that just as George Washington changed the world through his leadership, Trump represents a similar transformative figure.
This selection also highlights Trump’s tendency to overlook controversial behaviors associated with his supporters. Gibson’s standing in Hollywood was notably tarnished after making antisemitic remarks during a DUI arrest in 2006, yet he continues to work in mainstream films, including directing the upcoming thriller “Flight Risk” starring Wahlberg. Voight, a long-time advocate of Trump, has expressed support, calling him the greatest president since Abraham Lincoln.
