Sylvester Stallone revealed that he was surprised by Donald Trump's January 2025 announcement naming him as one of three special ambassadors to Hollywood, and that he informed Trump the role "would never work."
Stallone, promoting his autobiography "The Steps," told The Sunday Times that he learned of the appointment while watching television. Trump had declared that Stallone, along with Mel Gibson and Jon Voight, would serve as his "Special Ambassadors" to Hollywood to address what he described as a "great but very troubled place."
The specific duties of this role were never clarified.
When asked about his reservations, Stallone explained to The Sunday Times that Hollywood operates like distinct kingdoms where one cannot dictate terms to multiple studios. He characterized himself, Gibson, and Voight as individuals who generally pursue their own paths. "No, it won’t work," Stallone stated.
Stallone recalled telling Trump his concerns directly, saying, "Yes, and I said thank you and ciao, because it’s impossible. Hollywood works and it will evolve. It’s corporate and corporate people won’t want to hear me tell them about finance."
He reiterated that the appointment "just happened," noting his surprise upon hearing the news on TV. "I said, ‘Excuse me? Really?’ Because if they had asked me in the beginning, I would have said, this is not possible."
This refusal does not necessarily signal a complete break with Trump. In 2016, Stallone expressed admiration for Trump, and following Trump's 2024 election victory, Stallone introduced him at a Mar-a-Lago gala, calling him a "second George Washington" and "a really mythical character."
In the previous year, Stallone was honored as a Kennedy Center honoree, and Trump presented him with a medal during an Oval Office ceremony.
Mel Gibson also expressed surprise at the Hollywood announcement but initially indicated a willingness to serve the president. Jon Voight has been a vocal supporter of Trump.