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Trump Taps Hollywood Legends to Revive Industry Ruined by Identity Politics, Appoints Gibson, Stallone, and Voight as His ‘Special Ambassadors’ to Hollywood

January 17, 2025  ·
  Marvin Montanaro
Stallone

Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers at the 2017 Golden Globes

Donald Trump has made waves once again, this time by appointing three prominent Hollywood legends—Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight—as “Special Ambassadors” tasked with reviving Hollywood’s struggling industry.

Trump Inauguration

Donald Trump speaks at his inauguration in 2017 – YouTube, ABC News

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With Hollywood’s domestic box office revenues down 23.5% from pre-pandemic levels, and the 2023 actors’ and writers’ strikes still leaving their mark, Trump’s move signals a bold plan to steer the entertainment capital away from the identity politics and agenda-driven narratives that have led to widespread audience alienation and declining profits.

In his announcement on Truth Social, Trump stated, “It is my honor to announce Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone, to be Special Ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California. They will serve as Special Envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to Foreign Countries, BACK—BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!”

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone via Instagram

This appointment comes at a time when Hollywood is grappling with significant challenges, including financial strain from declining box office returns and a growing exodus of talent and production dollars to more business-friendly international locations like Canada and Australia.

Once a bastion of creativity and cultural influence, Hollywood has struggled in recent years to connect with audiences, many of whom feel disenfranchised by the relentless focus on divisive social agendas instead of quality storytelling.

A Return to ‘The Golden Age of Hollywood’

Trump’s choice of Stallone, Gibson, and Voight is far from arbitrary. These three actors not only represent the Hollywood of yesteryear, which delivered iconic blockbusters beloved by audiences worldwide, but also share a commitment to traditional American values and an industry-first work ethic.

Stallone, best known for his roles in Rocky and Rambo, has remained an enduring symbol of resilience and hard work. He introduced Trump at a Mar-a-Lago gala, hailing him as the “second George Washington.” Stallone’s recent work on the Paramount+ drama Tulsa King and the upcoming action film Working Man shows his continued influence in both mainstream and independent projects.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson via Inspire Me Podcast / An Experience With YouTube

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Mel Gibson, a director and actor once sidelined by Hollywood’s cancel culture, has proven his enduring talent with projects like Hacksaw Ridge, which garnered critical acclaim and Oscar recognition. Gibson’s response to the ambassadorial role was both humble and humorous.

“I got the tweet at the same time as all of you and was just as surprised,” the Braveheart star said. “Nevertheless, I heed the call. My duty as a citizen is to give any help and insight I can.”

Jon Voight, an outspoken supporter of Trump, brings decades of experience and gravitas. His recent appearances in films like Megalopolis and Reagan underscore his ability to navigate both modern cinema and historical storytelling, making him an ideal advocate for revitalizing the industry.

Why Hollywood Needs to Change

For years, Hollywood has doubled down on identity politics, pushing divisive narratives at the expense of quality entertainment. The result? Declining ticket sales, an exodus of talent, and increasing reliance on foreign markets to sustain bloated budgets. These issues were exacerbated by the 2023 strikes, which delayed major releases and left audiences with fewer options at the box office.

Jon Voight

Actor Jon Voight – YouTube, Sky News Australia

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Moreover, businesses in Southern California are still reeling from the impact of wildfires and skyrocketing costs. Trump’s ambassadors, armed with their decades of industry knowledge and dedication to the craft, aim to bring stability and profitability back to Hollywood. Their mission will focus on reviving what Trump described as the “Golden Age of Hollywood,” a time when the industry prioritized storytelling and creative excellence over political posturing.

A Promising Vision For a Struggling Industry

The appointment of Stallone, Gibson, and Voight as Special Ambassadors sends a clear message: Hollywood must prioritize its audiences again. By focusing on quality content and distancing itself from divisive agendas, the industry has a chance to reclaim its former glory and win back the trust of moviegoers.

Stallone Tulsa King

Sylvester Stallone as Dwight ‘The General’ Manfredi in Tulsa King (2022), Paramount Plus

In a world increasingly disillusioned with Hollywood’s virtue signaling and identity politics, Trump’s move represents a refreshing shift toward pragmatism and tradition. Whether this will usher in a new era of prosperity remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—change is desperately needed, and these three legends are ready to lead the charge.

How do you feel about these Trump Hollywood ambassadors? Did the incoming president make the right choice? Sound off in the comments and let us know! 

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Author: Marvin Montanaro
Marvin Montanaro is the Editor-in-Chief of That Park Place and a seasoned entertainment journalist with nearly two decades of experience across multiple digital media outlets and print publications. He joined That Park Place in 2024, bringing with him a passion for theme parks, pop culture, and film commentary. Based in Orlando, Florida, Marvin regularly visits Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, offering firsthand reporting and analysis from the parks. He’s also the creative force behind The M4 Empire YouTube channel, bringing a critical eye toward the world of pop culture. Montanaro’s insights are rooted in years of real-world reporting and editorial leadership. He can be reached via email at mmontanaro@thatparkplace.com SOCIAL MEDIA: X: http://x.com/marvinmontanaro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvinmontanaro Facebook: https://facebook.com/marvinmontanaro YouTube: http://YouTube.com/TheM4Empire Email: mmontanaro@thatparkplace.com