NEW YORK — Donald Trump has expressed a desire to enhance Hollywood, aiming to make it “bigger, better, and stronger.” He has appointed Mel Gibson, Jon Voight, and Sylvester Stallone as his representatives, referring to them as “Special Ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California.”
On Wednesday, the President-elect shared this news on his social media platform, declaring these three actors as his eyes and ears in the film industry. In his message, he emphasized his vision of restoring Hollywood to its former glory, akin to a new Golden Age, much like the historical optimism surrounding the United States.
The designation of special ambassadors typically pertains to addressing issues in crisis regions, such as the Middle East, rather than California. Responding to his unexpected appointment, Gibson noted in a statement that he learned of the news simultaneously with the public and expressed his willingness to contribute his insights and assistance as a citizen. He humorously inquired whether the position would include an official residence.
Recent years have seen U.S. film and television production face numerous challenges—stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, labor strikes in Hollywood, and the recent destructive wildfires in the Los Angeles region. Altogether, production in the U.S. has decreased by 26% since 2021 according to industry data.
Within the greater Los Angeles area, production activities have also seen a decline of 5.6% compared to 2023, marking the lowest level since 2020. California Governor Gavin Newsom recently proposed expanding the state’s Film & Television Tax Credit program from $330 million to $750 million annually to stimulate the industry. Other cities across the U.S., such as Atlanta, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, have been attracting film and TV projects with appealing tax incentives. Notably, actor Mark Wahlberg is planning a production hub in Las Vegas.
Voight, reflecting on the current state of Hollywood, expressed concern about its decline over the years, recalling his early experiences during the Golden Age. He emphasized the opportunity presented by having a supportive President who aims to revitalize the film industry in Hollywood.
Details surrounding the specific roles Gibson, Voight, and Stallone will take on in reviving productions within the U.S. remain unclear. Stallone’s representatives have not provided immediate comment on the matter.
Trump’s choice of these actors as “ambassadors” seems to connect to his nostalgia for the 1980s and ’90s, a period when he was becoming a notable figure in tabloid culture, while Gibson and Stallone were among the most celebrated actors globally. Stallone has been a regular visitor to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate and publicly lauded him during a gala following the election.
This move also highlights Trump’s readiness to embrace figures in the entertainment industry despite their past controversies. Gibson’s standing in Hollywood changed significantly after his 2006 arrest incident, but he has remained active in the industry, recently directing a thriller starring Wahlberg. Voight has been a fervent supporter of Trump, even comparing him to Lincoln, claiming him to be one of the greatest presidents in American history.
