Hollywood spent years slandering Trump and now they want his help?
In a dramatic twist, Hollywood’s biggest names—many of whom have spent years attacking President Donald Trump—are now pleading with his administration to protect their industry from the very technological advancements they once championed.
Over 400 entertainment industry figures, including Ben Stiller, Paul McCartney, and Ron Howard, have signed an open letter urging the Trump administration to uphold protections in the face of artificial intelligence (AI) expansion. The letter, addressed to Trump’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, stresses the need to defend American creative jobs, highlighting the irony of Hollywood elites turning to a leader they openly opposed.
Hollywood’s Desperate Plea for Trump’s Protection
For years, Hollywood celebrities have used award shows, social media, and high-profile interviews to criticize Trump and his policies. Yet now, when their industry faces an existential threat from AI, they have no choice but to ask for help from the very administration they ridiculed.
The entertainment industry contributes over $229 billion in wages and supports more than 2.3 million American jobs. However, AI corporations are aggressively seeking to use certain films, TV shows, music, and literature to train their models—without compensation to the original creators. Suddenly, the same industry that once dismissed Trump’s pro-business stance is calling on his leadership to intervene.
A House Divided: Hollywood’s Love-Hate Relationship with AI
Despite Hollywood’s unified front against AI in this case, some of its most successful figures are actively embracing the technology. Joe and Anthony Russo, the directors of Marvel’s “Avengers: Endgame,” recently released “The Electric State” on Netflix, featuring AI-driven voice modulation. Joe Russo even admitted that AI’s presence in Hollywood is much greater than many realize: “There is a long of blame going around and hyperbole because some individuals are afraid. But ultimately, you will see AI used more importantly.”
It seems that while Hollywood’s establishment is fighting to maintain control, some of its most powerful players see AI as the future.
The 2023 Strikes: A Crisis of Hollywood’s Own Making?
Hollywood’s battle with AI isn’t new. The industry came to a grinding halt in 2023 when the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild went on strike, shutting down productions for nearly six months. While these strikes were aimed at securing better protections, they also revealed deep divisions within the industry.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator, admitted, “It was essential that we be out ahead of the implementation of AI. If we had waited until after the industry had widely adopted AI, it would have been impossible to rein it in.”
Yet, Hollywood’s leadership failed to anticipate AI’s rapid takeover. Now, instead of proactive solutions, they find themselves reacting—by asking Trump for help.
The Conservative Takeaway: Actions Have Consequences
Hollywood’s reversal should serve as a wake-up call for all Americans. The industry that once mocked Trump’s policies is now relying on them to save their livelihoods. It’s a classic example of how short-sighted political attacks can come back to haunt even the most powerful players.
While AI poses a real threat to creative industries, this moment highlights the importance of strong leadership, economic foresight, and respect for American intellectual property. Hollywood may have finally learned that free markets and legal protections matter—but will they acknowledge the irony of where they turned for help?
What’s Next?
As Hollywood waits for Trump’s response, one thing is certain—this is a battle worth watching.
