In a surprising move, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight as special envoys to Hollywood. Announcing the decision on Thursday, Trump said the trio will work to revitalize the entertainment industry and reclaim its global dominance.

“These three talented individuals will be my eyes and ears in Hollywood, a great but struggling place. Together, we will make Hollywood bigger, better, and stronger than ever before,” Trump declared on his Truth Social platform.

The three actors, who collectively hold 10 Oscar nominations and three wins, have been vocal supporters of Trump. They stand out in an industry that has predominantly backed Democratic candidates, with many stars supporting Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

Mixed Legacies and Controversies

While all three appointees have achieved significant success in Hollywood, they are no strangers to controversy.

Jon Voight, an outspoken Trump advocate, faced backlash in 2020 after being accused of slapping co-star Frank Whaley during the filming of Ray Donovan. Despite this, most of the criticism directed at Voight has centered on his political views rather than personal scandals.

Mel Gibson’s career has been marred by accusations of anti-Semitism, racism, homophobia, and domestic violence. His infamous 2006 arrest for drunk driving in Malibu included an anti-Semitic rant, and leaked recordings in 2010 revealed racist slurs directed at his former partner, Oksana Grigorieva, who also accused him of physical abuse. Despite these incidents, Gibson has made a slow comeback in recent years.

Sylvester Stallone, who once referred to Trump as “the second George Washington,” has faced allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has consistently denied. In 2018, prosecutors declined to pursue charges against Stallone due to insufficient evidence. Additionally, he admitted in 2007 to importing banned human growth hormones into Australia, claiming it was under medical advice.

Trump’s Vision for Hollywood

Trump’s announcement comes as the entertainment industry faces growing competition from international markets. He criticized Hollywood for losing business overseas and expressed his desire to restore it to its former glory.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with some questioning the choice of envoys given the controversies surrounding the appointees. However, Trump emphasized their talent and experience, calling this effort a step toward a “golden age” for Hollywood.

While the entertainment industry has historically leaned Democratic, Trump’s strategy has bypassed traditional star endorsements by targeting influential figures in alternative media spaces, such as YouTube. This approach helped galvanize his supporters during the 2024 election, underscoring his unconventional tactics in building alliances.

The appointment of Stallone, Gibson, and Voight highlights Trump’s determination to reshape Hollywood’s image and align it with his vision for the United States.