Trump Appoints Mel Gibson, Stallone, and Voight as ‘Ambassadors to Hollywood,’ Sparking Backlash
Photo: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic; David Hume Kennerly/Getty
Donald Trump has announced the creation of “ambassadors to Hollywood,” a unique initiative aimed at bridging his administration with the entertainment industry. The appointees, including actors Mel Gibson, Sylvester Stallone, and Jon Voight, will serve in the newly-created roles, which Trump linked to his claim that Hollywood “has lost much business over the last four years to Foreign Countries.”
The selection of Mel Gibson, in particular, sparked immediate backlash. Gibson, once a top-billed leading man, became a pariah in Hollywood following a 2006 drunk-driving arrest during which he made antisemitic remarks, blaming Jewish people “for all the wars in the world.”
“Mel Gibson as Special Ambassador to Hollywood is like making Jared Fogle Special Ambassador to Candyland,” quipped criminal defense lawyer Ken White, referencing Gibson’s controversial past. The reaction on social media was swift and scathing. The Daily Show joked, “Trump: Okay, day one, no bad ideas.
What are your ideas to — Mel Gibson: NO MORE JEWS.” Political commentator Sam Stein of The Bulwark remarked, “Mel Gibson, having a moment. Not good for the Jews.” Critics also pointed out Gibson’s recent activities, including promoting conspiracy theories about the California wildfires.
“At last check, Mel Gibson, one of Trump’s three new ‘Special Ambassadors to Hollywood,’ was teasing conspiracy theories about the LA fires. One can guess which group he wants to blame,” wrote former Obama appointee Eric Columbus on Bluesky.
The appointments have also reignited the culture war, with some accusing Republicans of hypocrisy. “Republicans: basketball players should shut up and dribble. Also Republicans: next up is our chief natural disaster correspondent Mel Gibson,” commented political analyst Brian Tyler Cohen after seeing Gibson discuss the California wildfires on Fox News.
Others noted the apparent snubbing of Trump-aligned actors like James Woods, Scott Baio, and Kevin Sorbo. Former Hollywood executive Katie Whittemore called the appointments “f—ing laughable,” adding, “He is going to try and destroy everything we love.”
MSNBC’s Garrett Haake echoed these sentiments, observing that the roles, while symbolic, reflect Trump’s intent to stoke cultural tensions. The announcement underscores Trump’s unconventional approach to governing, drawing both ridicule and concern as he prepares to take office once again. Critics argue that these appointments may deepen the divide between Hollywood and the political right.
