Trump Taps Voight, Gibson, Stallone to Revive Hollywood Amid Industry Crisis and Controversy
January 17, 2025
However, the specific roles and responsibilities of Voight, Gibson, and Stallone in this revitalization effort remain unclear, raising questions about the effectiveness of their appointments.
Stallone, who has previously referred to Trump as 'the second George Washington,' has expressed his disinterest in political positions, emphasizing that actors can become overly emotionally involved in political matters.
All three appointed actors have controversial pasts, with Gibson facing accusations of antisemitism and domestic violence, while Stallone has been accused of sexual assault, which he denied.
The announcement has drawn criticism from the predominantly left-leaning entertainment industry, where many celebrities, including Taylor Swift and George Clooney, have publicly opposed Trump.
This initiative comes amid a significant decline in U.S. film and television production, which has dropped by 26% since 2021, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, strikes in 2023, and recent wildfires in Los Angeles.
Trump's choice of these controversial figures reflects his broader strategy of appointing individuals who disrupt the existing political landscape.
Donald Trump has unveiled a plan to revitalize Hollywood by appointing Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as 'special envoys' to the movie industry.
Social media reactions have been mixed, with some users questioning the consistency of Trump supporters' involvement in politics, while others mocked the appointments due to the actors' controversial histories.
Gibson, who has a history of controversial remarks, pledged to contribute his expertise to the initiative, humorously inquiring about the role of an ambassador.
In response to the film industry's struggles, California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed increasing the state's Film and Television Tax Credit program to $750 million annually, aiming to attract more productions.
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have had a devastating impact on the area, affecting many public figures and highlighting the urgent need for effective management and support.
The Razzies, an awards show for the worst films, humorously commented on Trump's announcement, noting that all three appointed actors have previously won 'Worst Actor' awards, further emphasizing their controversial reputations.
Summary based on 19 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • Jan 17, 2025
You’re really spoiling us: Trump miscasts Gibson, Stallone and Voight by making them mere ambassadors
Mashable • Jan 17, 2025
Jimmy Kimmel responds to Trump's plan to save Hollywood
HuffPost • Jan 17, 2025
‘Clown Show Alert’: Donald Trump’s ‘Special Envoys’ Announcement Leaves Critics Stunned