Sylvester Stallone said in an interview published Sunday that he never accepted Donald Trump’s proposed Hollywood ambassador role and learned he had been appointed while watching television. Trump announced Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight as special ambassadors before his second inauguration in 2025, leaving Stallone stunned by the surprise reveal. Stallone told The Times of London that he had already warned Trump the assignment would not work. Stallone argued that Hollywood is controlled by separate studios and corporate interests, making it unrealistic for three actors to dictate how the industry should handle business, finance, or production. So Why Was Stallone Appointed Anyway? Trump said the trio would help bring film and television production back to Hollywood after companies moved projects overseas, but the announcement did not explain the position’s official duties or reporting structure. Stallone said he effectively declined the offer, only to discover that Trump had placed his name on the list anyway, while the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mel Gibson also said the appointment caught him off guard, explaining that he learned about it at the same time as the public but was willing to help. Jon Voight later held a press conference and said he had urged Trump to support a federal film tax incentive. Trump awarded Stallone a Kennedy Center Honor in December alongside Kiss, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, and Michael Crawford.