Trump Appoints Gibson, Stallone, and Voight as ‘Special Envoys’ to Hollywood | US News
President-elect Donald Trump has revealed that he has appointed actors Mel Gibson, Jon Voight, and Sylvester Stallone as ambassadors to enhance Hollywood, making it “bigger, better, and stronger”.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Mr. Trump stated that these actors, who are all supporters of his, will serve as his “special envoys” to the iconic film industry, which he referred to as a “great but very troubled place”.
The 78-year-old Republican, who is set to succeed President Joe Biden following his inauguration on Monday, expressed that it was “my honor” to present the appointments of “these three incredibly talented individuals”.
He remarked: “They will act as Special Envoys for me to reinvigorate Hollywood, which has seen a significant decline in business over the last four years due to foreign competition, BRINGING IT BACK—BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER!”
Mel Gibson at a special screening of the film Monster Summer in Los Angeles in September. Pic: Reuters
Mr. Trump added that the actors “will be my eyes and ears, and I will act on their recommendations”.
He further stated: “It will once again be, just like The United States of America, The Golden Age of Hollywood!”
Jon Voight attends a premiere for the film Reagan in Los Angeles in August. Pic: Reuters
In a statement, Gibson expressed that he received the news “at the same time as all of you and was equally taken aback,” but he affirmed, “I nonetheless heed the call”.
“As a citizen, my responsibility is to provide any assistance and perspective I can,” he added.
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Gibson – who lost his home in one of the numerous fires contributing to the devastating wildfires that have been sweeping through Los Angeles for over a week – humorously remarked: “Is there any possibility the position comes with an Ambassador’s residence?”
Representatives for Voight and Stallone have yet to respond to a request for comment.
In recent years, US film and television production has faced challenges, including impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hollywood guild strikes of 2023, and most recently, the LA wildfires.
Overall, production in the US has dropped by 26% compared to 2021, according to data from ProdPro.
In the greater Los Angeles area, production levels were down 5.6% as of 2023, according to FilmLA, marking the lowest figures since 2020.
