Sylvester Stallone Was Blindsided by Trump's Hollywood Envoy Announcement

Sylvester Stallone has stated he was surprised by former President Donald Trump's January 2025 announcement that he, along with Mel Gibson and Jon Voight, would serve as special envoys to Hollywood. Stallone learned of the supposed appointment while watching television, he told The Sunday Times. Trump had shared the news in a Truth Social post, declaring they would act as his "eyes and ears" to help bring film and television production back to the U.S.

Stallone, 80, expressed apprehension about the role, likening Hollywood to "feudal states" with "little kingdoms." He explained that he would not have accepted the position if it had been proposed directly, stating, "You don’t go in and tell six studios how to do things." He added that he eventually informed Trump that the envoy position "wouldn't work" because it was "impossible" and that he would say "thank you and ciao."

Trump's January 16, 2025, post stated it was his "honor to announce Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone, to be Special Ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California." He elaborated that they would "serve as Special Envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood... BACK—BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!" He envisioned a "Golden Age of Hollywood" under their advisement.

Mel Gibson, 70, also stated he was surprised by the announcement, admitting he received the tweet at the same time as the public. "Nevertheless, I heed the call. My duty as a citizen is to give any help and insight I can," Gibson told Variety shortly after the news, jokingly inquiring if the position came with an ambassador's residence.

Stallone had previously lauded Trump after his November 2024 election victory, introducing him at the America First Policy Institute Gala and calling him the "second George Washington." Stallone's memoir, "The Steps," is scheduled for publication on September 29.