---
title: "Sylvester Stallone says he turned down Trump's Hollywood ambassador role"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/sylvester-stallone-says-he-turned-down-trumps-hollywood-ambassador-role"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/sylvester-stallone-says-he-turned-down-trumps-hollywood-ambassador-role"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/sylvester-stallone-says-he-turned-down-trumps-hollywood-ambassador-role.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/sylvester-stallone-says-he-turned-down-trumps-hollywood-ambassador-role"
category: "Politics"
published: "2026-09-21T21:25:28.201Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-21T20:45:11.000Z"
updated: "2026-09-21T21:25:28.201Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 61
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-21T22:15:12.726196+00:00"
---

# Sylvester Stallone says he turned down Trump's Hollywood ambassador role

*The actor learned of his appointment to the role from television, he told The Sunday Times.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to a named body, with two independent outlets and a named source.
- Craft 61 of 100, higher is better. Reporting includes quotes from affected parties and names specific people, dates, and places.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines promise more than the body delivers, with some loaded adjectives and mild sensationalism.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Sylvester Stallone claims Donald Trump appointed him a Hollywood Special Ambassador, a role he says he turned down.
- Stallone stated he learned of the appointment by watching television, not through direct communication from Trump.
- The actor told Trump the role was 'impossible' and that he said 'thank you and ciao'.
- Donald Trump announced Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight as Special Ambassadors to Hollywood in January 2025.

Sylvester Stallone has stated that Donald Trump appointed him a Hollywood Special Ambassador, a position the actor claims he had already declined. Stallone said he learned of the appointment while watching television. He told Trump the role was 'impossible' and that he responded with 'thank you and ciao'.

Donald Trump announced Stallone, along with Mel Gibson and Jon Voight, as Special Ambassadors to Hollywood in January 2025. Trump posted on Truth Social at the time, stating these individuals would serve as his 'eyes and ears' to bring business back to Hollywood. He also criticised Hollywood and suggested federal tax incentives for film production.

## Disagreement on direct communication

Sylvester Stallone told The Sunday Times that he learned of his appointment by watching television. The PerthNow report, quoting Stallone, states he was baffled by the president's announcement because he had already told him the idea wouldn't 'work'. Variety also reported Stallone saying, 'I was watching TV one night and they go, ‘So Stallone and Mel Gibson and Jon Voight will be …’ And I went, ‘What?’'

## What the coverage left out

None of the left, centre, or right-rated reports below mention the specific date in January 2025 when Donald Trump announced Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight as Special Ambassadors to Hollywood. The full reports from PerthNow and Variety did not include this specific date either.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 32 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 63% (20)
- Centre: 24% (8)
- Right: 13% (4)

30 of 62 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-21T22:15:12.726196+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 8 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-21T23:15:07.385Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Eight left-rated reports led on Stallone's claim that he turned down the role. Variety, Hot News, Philly Voice, Telegrafi, OK! Magazine, TVA Nouvelles, Spiegel, and t-online all highlighted Stallone's statement that he told Trump the role was 'impossible' or that he declined the appointment. Variety and Philly Voice noted Stallone learned of the appointment via television. TVA Nouvelles and Le Journal de Quebec stated the actor believed the plan was doomed to failure. Spiegel reported that Trump named Stallone despite his rejection.

### Centre

- All eight centre-rated reports focused on Stallone's account of turning down the role. PerthNow, US Magazine, Digi 24, ComingSoon.net, Reality Tea, Mandatory, The Express Tribune, and FandomWire all reported that Stallone said he told Trump the role was 'impossible' or that he declined it. PerthNow, US Magazine, Digi 24, ComingSoon.net, Reality Tea, Mandatory, and The Express Tribune mentioned that Stallone learned of the appointment from television. FandomWire noted Stallone is a supporter of Donald Trump.

### Right

- Four right-rated reports focused on Stallone's account of declining the role. Globo and The News reported that Stallone learned of his appointment via television. TheMix.net and Le Figaro stated that Stallone told Trump the role would not work or that he said 'thank you and ciao'.

**Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- low: 1
- mixed: 6
- high: 20
- unknown: 31
- veryHigh: 4

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Ecopolitic](https://ecopolitic.ro/sylvester-stallone-a-refuzat-functia-de-ambasador-special-al-lui-donald-trump-la-hollywood) — Sylvester Stallone Refused Donald Trump's "Special Ambassador to Hollywood"
- [knews.media](https://knews.media/2026/09/21/sylvester-stallone-reveals-he-declined-donald-trumps-special-ambassador-role) — Sylvester Stallone Reveals He Declined Donald Trump’s Special Am
- [Hot News](https://hotnews.ro/starul-hollywoodian-care-sustine-ca-refuzat-functia-de-ambasador-special-al-lui-donald-trump-am-spus-multumesc-si-la-revedere-2355006) — The Hollywood Star Who Claims to Have Refused Donald Trump's "Special ambassador."I Also Said Thank You - HotNews.ro
- [US Magazine](https://usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/sylvester-stallone-talks-president-donald-trump-appointment) — Sylvester Stallone Addresses Donald Trump’s Hollywood Ambassador Appointment: ‘Impossible’
- [Philly Voice](https://phillyvoice.com/sylvester-stallone-trump-hollywood-ambassador-autobiography) — Sylvester Stallone says he rejected Trump's offer to be Hollywood 'special ambassador,' but got appointed anyway
- [unimedia.info](https://unimedia.info/ro/news/050a9d7d7d16686a/sylvester-stallone-povesteste-cum-a-refuzat-functia-de-ambasador-special-al-lui-donald-trump-la-hollywood-am-spus-multumesc-si-la-revedere.html) — Sylvester Stallone Tells How He Refused Donald Trump's "Special Ambassador to Hollywood: "I Said Thank You and Goodbye.
- [Telegrafi](https://telegrafi.com/ishte-e-pamundur-sylvester-stallone-refuzoi-rolin-e-ofruar-nga-trump) — "It Was Impossible," Sylvester Stallone Turned Down the Role Offered by Trump
- [OK! Magazine](https://okmagazine.com/p/sylvester-stallone-turned-down-donald-trump-hollywood-ambassador-role) — Sylvester Stallone Says He Turned Down Donald Trump's Hollywood Ambassador Role: 'It’s Impossible'
- [iDNES.cz](https://idnes.cz/kultura/film-televize/sylvester-stallone-donald-trump-mel-gibson-jon-voight-hollywood-ambasador.A260921_122343_filmvideo_nh) — Thanks and Bye. Stallone Turned Down Trump's Invitation to Be Ambassador to Hollywood, Found Out About It on TV
- [Digi 24](https://digi24.ro/magazin/timp-liber/showbiz/stallone-povesteste-cum-a-refuzat-functia-de-ambasador-special-al-lui-trump-la-hollywood-am-spus-multumesc-si-la-revedere-3957915) — Stallone Tells How He Refused Trump's "Special Ambassador" in Hollywood: "I Said: Thank You and Goodbye.
- [CAFFEBOOK](https://caffebook.it/2026/09/21/stallone-manda-a-quel-paese-trump-hollywood-non-si-tocca) — Stallone Sends Trump to that Country: "Hollywood Doesn't Touch"
- [TVA Nouvelles](https://tvanouvelles.ca/2026/09/21/ambassadeur-special-a-hollywood-pourquoi-stallone-a-dit-non-a-trump) — Special Ambassador to Hollywood: Why Stallone Said No to Trump
- [ComingSoon.net](https://comingsoon.net/movies/news/2194287-sylvester-stallone-rejected-donald-trump-hollywood-ambassador-role) — Why Sylvester Stallone Rejected Donald Trump’s Hollywood Ambassador Role
- [www.jpnn.com](https://jpnn.com/news/ditunjuk-trump-jadi-duta-hollywood-sylvester-stallone-ini-mustahil) — Trump Appoints Sylvester Stallone as Hollywood Ambassador: "This Is Impossible"
- [Le Journal de Quebec](https://journaldequebec.com/2026/09/21/ambassadeur-special-a-hollywood-pourquoi-stallone-a-dit-non-a-trump) — Special Ambassador to Hollywood: Why Stallone Said No to Trump
- [Spiegel](https://spiegel.de/kultur/kino/sylvester-stallone-lehnte-donald-trumps-sonderbotschafter-idee-ab-trump-benannte-ihn-trotzdem-a-5b5c1fc6-7636-4cc3-83ff-a09d97382271) — Sylvester Stallone Rejected Donald Trump's "Special Ambassador" Idea. The President Nevertheless Named Him
- [Globo](https://oglobo.globo.com/cultura/noticia/2026/09/21/sylvester-stallone-revela-que-soube-pela-tv-de-nomeacao-de-trump-como-embaixador-de-hollywood.ghtml) — Sylvester Stallone Reveals that He Heard From Trump's Appointment TV as 'Hollywood Ambassador'
- [t-online](https://t-online.de/unterhaltung/stars/id_101445590/sylvester-stallone-lehnte-angebot-von-donald-trump-ab.html) — Stallone on Trump's Appointment: "I Thanked Him and Said 'Ciao'"
- [La Dépêche du Midi](https://ladepeche.fr/2026/09/21/comment-sylvester-stallone-a-appris-a-la-television-que-donald-trump-lavait-nomme-ambassadeur-a-hollywood-jai-sursaute-pardon-excusez-moi-13561642.php) — How Did Sylvester Stallone Learn on Television that Donald Trump Had Appointed Him "Ambassador" in Hollywood... "I'm Surprised: I'm Sorry? I'm Sorry?"
- [hobbyconsolas.com](https://hobbyconsolas.com/hobbycine/sylvester-stallone-tiene-un-cargo-oficial-que-no-acepto-que-no-cree-dije-gracias-adios_7039153_0.html) — Sylvester Stallone Has an Official Position He Didn't Accept and in Which He Doesn't Believe: "I Said Thank You and Goodbye"
- [TheMix.net](https://themix.net/celebrity/sylvester-stallone-says-trump-appointed-him-after-he-declined-role) — Sylvester Stallone Says Trump Appointed Him After He Declined Role
- [asriran.com](https://asriran.com/fa/news/1193171/%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%B3%DB%8C%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D9%86%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA-%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%BE) — Sylvester Stallone's Response to Trump's Request
- [Telegraf – Najnovije vesti](https://telegraf.rs/vesti/svet/4400446-rekao-sam-mu-hvala-i-cao-kako-je-silvester-stalone-odbio-trampovu-nesvakidasnju-ponudu) — "I Told Him Thank You and Goodbye": How Sylvester Stallone Rejected Trump's Unusual Offer
- [www.cnews.fr](https://cnews.fr/people/2026-09-21/je-lavais-appris-la-tele-sylvester-stallone-refuse-la-mission-dambassadeur) — "I Had Learned It on TV": Sylvester Stallone Refused the Mission of Ambassador to Hollywood Entrusted to Him by Donald Trump
- [Twice.hu](https://twice.hu/bulvar/sylvester-stallone-elarulta-miert-utasitotta-el-donald-trump-hollywoodi-megbizasat) — Sylvester Stallone Reveals Why He Turned Down Donald Trump's Hollywood Job
- [IBTimes UK](https://ibtimes.co.uk/sylvester-stallone-trump-hollywood-ambassador-plan-1820927) — 'I Said Thank You and Ciao': Sylvester Stallone Reveals Why He Refused Trump's Role
- [Le Huffington Post](https://huffingtonpost.fr/culture/article/merci-et-ciao-sylvester-stallone-avait-envoye-bouler-donald-trump-qui-l-avait-nomme-ambassadeur-malgre-tout_328456.html) — "Thank You and Ciao": Stallone Reveals Having Sent Trump and His 2025 Proposal
- [Klix](https://klix.ba/magazin/film-tv/sylvester-stallone-kaze-da-nije-pristao-na-trumpovu-ulogu-specijalnog-ambasadora-rekao-sam-hvala-i-cao/260921037) — Sylvester Stallone Says He Didn't Agree to Trump's Role as "Special Ambassador": I Said Thank You and Goodbye
- [HuffPost](https://huffpost.com/entry/sylvester-stallone-donald-trump-ambassador_n_6ab0babfe4b02be6d95a1d27) — Sylvester Stallone Shares His Unfiltered Response To Trump’s Hollywood Appointment
- [gala.de](https://gala.de/stars/news/sylvester-stallone--er-lehnte-donald-trumps-jobangebot-ab-24680484.html) — He Rejected Donald Trump's Job Offer
- [Mediafax](https://mediafax.ro/externe/de-ce-a-refuzat-sylvester-stallone-oferta-lui-donald-trump-de-a-fi-trimis-special-la-hollywood-23810913) — Why Did Sylvester Stallone Refuse Donald Trump's Offer to Be Sent Special to Hollywood
- [newsweek.ro](https://newsweek.ro/international/rocky-sylvester-stallone-a-refuzat-functia-de-ambasador-special-al-lui-trump-multumesc-ciao) — "Rocket, Sylvester Stallone, Refused Trump's Role as Special Ambassador: "Thank You!," Hi! " • Newsweek Romania
- [Le Figaro](https://lefigaro.fr/cinema/merci-et-au-revoir-pourquoi-sylvester-stallone-a-dit-non-a-donald-trump-et-a-son-idee-d-emissaire-special-a-hollywood-20260921) — "Thank You and Goodbye": Why Sylvester Stallone Said No to Donald Trump and His Special Emissary Idea in Hollywood
- [ITC.ua](https://itc.ua/news/sylvestr-stallone-prokommentyroval-svoyu-rol-spetsposlannyka-trampa) — Sylvester Stallone Commented on His Role as Special Envoy Trump.
- [Pantau.com](https://pantau.com/hiburan/367874/sylvester-stallone-kenang-dua-tahun-jadi-duta-khusus-hollywood-sebut-tugasnya-mustahil) — Sylvester Stallone Recalls Two Years as Hollywood's Special Ambassador, Calls His Task Impossible
- [badtaste.it](https://badtaste.it/articoli/stallone-su-trump-mi-ha-nominato-ambasciatore-di-hollywood-guardando-la-tv-non-me-lha-chiesto) — Stallone on Trump: "He Made Me Hollywood Ambassador Watching TV, He Didn't Ask Me"
- [Heti Világgazdaság](https://hvg.hu/kultura/20260921_sylvester-stallone-teve-donald-trump-nagykovet-kinevezes) — Sylvester Stallone Learned From TV that Donald Trump Had Appointed Him as Hollywood Ambassador
- [Sydsvenskan](https://sydsvenskan.se/noje/stallone-om-trumpuppdraget-omojligt) — Stallone on Trump Mission: "Impossible"
- [Nettavisen](https://nettavisen.no/nyheter/sylvester-stallone-sa-aldri-ja-til-trump-oppdrag/s/80-95-94824) — Sylvester Stallone with Sharp Criticism After Trump Appointment
- [Reality Tea](https://realitytea.com/2026/09/21/donald-trump-hollywood-ambassador-sylvester-stallone-answer) — Sylvester Stallone Says Donald Trump Named Him Hollywood Ambassador After He Said 'No'
- [Mandatory](https://mandatory.com/news/1854391-donald-trump-hollywood-ambassador-sylvester-stallone-answer) — Sylvester Stallone Says Donald Trump Named Him Hollywood Ambassador After He Said 'No'
- [Aftonbladet](https://aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/a/7papzw/stallone-om-trumpuppdraget-omojligt) — Stallone on the Mission for Donald Trump: "Impossible"
- [Film News](http://film-news.co.uk/news/UK/129249/Sylvester-Stallone-blindsided-by-President-Trump-s-move-to-make-him-Hollywood-ambassador) — Sylvester Stallone blindsided by President Trump's move to make him Hollywood ambassador
- [Felix Victorino](https://fvdigital.do/sylvester-stallone-revela-que-nunca-acepto-el-cargo-de-embajador-de-hollywood-de-trump) — Sylvester Stallone Reveals that He Never Accepted Trump's Hollywood "Ambassador" Position
- [The Blast](https://theblast.com/853605/sylvester-stallone-trump-hollywood-ambassador-role) — Sylvester Stallone Reveals Why He Refused Trump’s Hollywood Ambassador Role: 'I Said Thank You And Ciao'
- [PerthNow](https://perthnow.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-gossip/sylvester-stallone-told-donald-trump-hollywood-special-ambassador-role-was-impossible-c-22899556) — Sylvester Stallone told Donald Trump Hollywood Special Ambassador role was 'impossible'
- [The Hollywood Reporter](https://hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sylvester-stallone-trump-hollywood-ambassadorship-watching-tv-1236706583) — Sylvester Stallone Learned About Trump Hollywood Ambassadorship While Watching TV: “It Won’t Work”
- [Nieuws.nl](https://nieuws.nl/entertainment/sylvester-stallone-wilde-geen-ambassadeurschap-van-trump) — Sylvester Stallone Did Not Want an Ambassadorship From Trump.
- [FandomWire](https://fandomwire.com/sylvester-stallone-trump-hollywood-ambassador) — Sylvester Stallone Says He Never Agreed to Trump Hollywood Ambassadorship
- [in.gr](https://in.gr/2026/09/20/life/culture-live/o-tramp-exrise-presveyti-tou-xoligount-ton-stalone-omos-ekeinos-tou-eipe-ciao) — Trump Named Stallone "Hollywood Ambassador" - But He Said Ciao
- [The Express Tribune](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630405/sylvester-stallone-says-he-turned-down-trumps-hollywood-ambassador-role-because-it-was-impossible) — Sylvester Stallone says he turned down Trump’s Hollywood ambassador role because it was ‘impossible’
- [Folha de S.Paulo](https://redir.folha.com.br/redir/online/emcimadahora/rss091/*https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/ilustrada/2026/09/sylvester-stallone-rejeita-cargo-simbolico-criado-por-trump-missao-impossivel.shtml) — Stallone Rejects Symbolic Charge Created for Him by Trump - 20/09/2026 - Illustrated
- [The Wrap](https://thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/sylvester-stallone-never-accepted-trump-hollywood-ambassador) — Sylvester Stallone Rejected Trump's Hollywood Ambassador Role, Found Out He Was Appointed Anyway While Watching TV
- [williamsnews.com](https://williamsnews.com/arena/parade-magazine/sylvester-stallone-admits-why-he-wanted-no-part-in-trump-s-hollywood-plan/article_adea2a22-86a7-5ca0-8db1-344ee352b3c7.html) — Sylvester Stallone Admits Why He Wanted No Part in Trump’s Hollywood Plan
- [kurir.rs](https://kurir.rs/zabava/pop-kultura/10109957/silvester-stalone-o-donaldu-trampu) — Trump Named Stallone as His Informant in Hollywood: Here's What the Actor Says About It
- [Variety](https://variety.com/2026/film/news/sylvester-stallone-special-ambassador-hollywood-trump-1236870394) — Sylvester Stallone Says He Turned Down Trump’s ‘Special Ambassador’ to Hollywood Role Because It Was ‘Impossible’: ‘I Said Thank You and Ciao’
- [comicbasics.com](https://comicbasics.com/tulsa-king-star-sylvester-stallone-reveals-he-never-signed-on-for-trumps-hollywood-ambassador-job) — 'Tulsa King' Star Sylvester Stallone Reveals He Never Signed On for Trump's Hollywood Ambassador Job
- [The News](https://thenews.com.pk/latest/1416988-sylvester-stallone-blindsided-by-trump-naming-him-hollywood-ambassador) — Sylvester Stallone blindsided by Trump naming him Hollywood ambassador
- [Deadline](https://deadline.com/2026/09/sylvester-stallone-trump-hollywood-ambassador-impossible-1237108738) — Sylvester Stallone Told Trump Hollywood Ambassadorship Was "Impossible"
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/sylvester-stallone-donald-trump-hollywood-ambassador-b3053136.html) — Sylvester Stallone claims Trump ignored his rejection of Hollywood ambassador role
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/films/news/sylvester-stallone-donald-trump-hollywood-ambassador-b3053136.html) — Sylvester Stallone claims Trump ignored his rejection of Hollywood ambassador role
- [Online Khabar](https://onlinekhabar.com/2026/09/2022530/sylvester-stallone-declines-trumps-hollywood-special-envoy-title) — Sylvester Stallone Rejects Trump's 'Hollywood Special Envoy' Title

## Questions

**What role did Donald Trump supposedly offer Sylvester Stallone?**

Donald Trump reportedly appointed Sylvester Stallone as a 'Special Ambassador to Hollywood'. Stallone claims he learned of this appointment from television and had previously told Trump the role was 'impossible'.

**When did Donald Trump announce these appointments?**

Donald Trump announced Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight as Special Ambassadors to Hollywood in January 2025. He posted about the appointments on his Truth Social platform.

**How did Sylvester Stallone react to the appointment?**

Sylvester Stallone stated he learned of the appointment by watching television and told Trump the role was 'impossible'. He said his response to Trump was 'thank you and ciao'.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/sylvester-stallone-says-he-turned-down-trumps-hollywood-ambassador-role. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Sylvester Stallone says he turned down Trump's Hollywood ambassador role", https://mediabias.news/politics/sylvester-stallone-says-he-turned-down-trumps-hollywood-ambassador-role