Trump Praises Sydney Sweeney's Jeans Ad After Learning of Her Republican Affiliation

In a surprising twist, former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly praised actor Sydney Sweeney’s latest advertising campaign for American Eagle, following the revelation that she is a registered Republican voter. The endorsement has sparked a wave of reactions across social media and in the fashion and politics spheres.

Controversial Campaign Sparks Debate

The ad campaign, which features Sweeney in a denim jacket with the tagline “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans,” has drawn both admiration and criticism. Some viewers claim the ad subtly alludes to eugenics theories, due to the use of the word “genes” in promotional videos. The ad has since been the subject of heated debate, with critics accusing the brand of being tone-deaf and promoting racially charged narratives.

The campaign includes videos where Sweeney, dressed entirely in denim, discusses the quality of her jeans while playing with a puppy or starting up a Ford Mustang. In one now-removed video, she states, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color.” The line has been interpreted by some as a veiled reference to eugenics, a theory historically linked to white supremacist ideologies.

Trump’s Support and Market Reaction

Trump’s endorsement of the campaign has had a tangible effect on the stock market. Shares of American Eagle Outfitters surged by 23.5% overnight, reflecting the impact of Trump’s comments. When asked about the ad campaign, Trump remarked, “She’s a registered Republican? Oh, now I love her ad!” He later took to Truth Social to call the ad “the HOTTEST ad out there” and urged fans to “Go get ’em Sidney.”

The former president also criticized other brands, including Bud Light and Jaguar, calling their advertisements “woke” and aligning with his broader political rhetoric. His comments have further fueled the controversy surrounding the campaign.

Republican Support and Political Commentary

Republican Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, calling Sweeney an “All-American beautiful girl” and criticizing the Democratic Party for allegedly fostering hostility toward “basic American life.” He suggested that the criticism of the ad campaign was a strategic move by Democrats to alienate voters ahead of the midterms.

American Eagle has since defended the campaign, stating that it was “always just about the jeans” and that “great jeans look good on everyone.” The brand has not commented further on the controversy.

Sweeney’s Political Alignment and Public Silence

Sweeney’s political affiliation came to light when public records revealed she had been registered as a Republican voter in Florida since June 2024. Despite the controversy, the actress has not publicly commented on the ad campaign or her political stance.

This is not the first time Sweeney has found herself at the center of political controversy. In 2022, she faced backlash after sharing photos of her mother’s 60th birthday, where family members wore MAGA-style hats with the slogan “Make Sixty Great Again.” Sweeney later clarified that the event was an “innocent celebration” and that others were turning it into an “absurd political statement.”