In a twist that no one saw coming, a long list of Hollywood’s biggest names—many of whom have openly criticized Donald Trump in the past—are now reaching out to him for help.
Their concern? The growing power of artificial intelligence and how companies like OpenAI and Google want to use copyrighted materials without permission.
On the very first day of his second term, President Trump introduced an ambitious $500 billion AI initiative called ‘Stargate.’
This massive project aims to bolster artificial intelligence development in the U.S. while creating over 100,000 jobs.
However, while the entertainment industry has often clashed with Trump in the past, many celebrities are now looking to him to stand up against Big Tech’s AI policies.
The AI Copyright Controversy
The issue at hand revolves around whether AI companies should be allowed to train their systems using copyrighted material—like movies, TV shows, music, and books—without needing permission from the creators.
OpenAI and Google recently told Washington that current U.S. copyright laws allow them to do just that.
This potential shift has sent shockwaves through the creative community, prompting over 400 prominent figures—including Ben Stiller, Olivia Wilde, Cynthia Erivo, Paul McCartney, Mark Ruffalo, and Cate Blanchett—to sign an open letter urging Trump to push back on this interpretation of copyright law.
The letter argues that if AI companies are allowed to proceed unchecked, they would be “freely exploiting America’s creative and knowledge industries” despite their massive revenues and financial capabilities.
The Letter from Hollywood to Trump
The letter, which was submitted in response to the AI Action Plan, emphasizes that America’s creative sector is vital to the country’s economy and global influence.
It highlights that the entertainment industry supports over 2.3 million jobs and generates more than $229 billion in wages annually.
The signatories warn that weakening copyright protections would not only harm Hollywood but also impact writers, musicians, designers, software developers, and even medical researchers.
One of the letter’s key arguments is that AI companies should negotiate proper licenses, just as other industries do, rather than expecting a free pass to use copyrighted materials.
It states, “Access to America’s creative catalog of films, writing, video content, and music is not a matter of national security.
They do not require a government-mandated exemption from existing U.S. copyright law.”
A Complicated Relationship Between Hollywood and Trump
What makes this appeal particularly striking is that many of the celebrities now asking for Trump’s help have been among his most vocal critics.
Ben Stiller once called a 2017 Trump speech “the worst message I have ever heard a president put out to the world.”
Olivia Wilde, in the same year, labeled Trump a “pathetic, petulant, dishonest pig.”
Director Ron Howard called Trump “morally bankrupt,” while Mark Ruffalo, as recently as this year, accused him of “looting America.”
Yet, despite their past criticisms, they now find themselves in a position where Trump’s administration could be the key to preserving their intellectual property rights.
The Broader Implications of AI and Copyright
This debate extends far beyond Hollywood. The rise of AI-driven content creation threatens not just movies and music but also journalism, academic research, and even professional services.
If Big Tech is granted the ability to scrape and use copyrighted content without restriction, it could upend entire industries.
Trump’s AI initiative, ‘Stargate,’ is focused on keeping AI development within the U.S. and ensuring that America remains a leader in the technology race, particularly against competitors like China.
While his administration has not yet taken a clear stance on AI copyright issues, Hollywood’s plea may push the White House to introduce new protections for intellectual property.
The Future of AI and Intellectual Property
As AI continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the battle between creators and technology companies is only just beginning.
Whether or not Trump decides to take action against OpenAI and Google’s interpretation of copyright law could set a precedent for how intellectual property is handled in the digital age.
For now, Hollywood’s biggest names have made their position clear: AI should not be allowed to exploit their work without permission.
And, in a surprising turn of events, they are looking to Donald Trump—the very man they once despised—to champion their cause.