U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed actress Sydney Sweeney’s controversial American Eagle campaign—only on one condition: that she is a registered Republican.
According to NDTV, Trump, while boarding Air Force One in Allentown, Pennsylvania, was asked about the ad. On hearing Sweeney’s Republican registration, he replied:
“She’s a registered Republican? Oh, now I love her ad!… If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic.”
What Sparked the Controversy?
Sweeney’s American Eagle jeans campaign titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans” morphed into controversy for alleged racial overtones. The ad’s play on “genes” vs. “jeans” combined with Sweeney’s blonde hair and blue eyes triggered criticism for promoting white supremacist imagery and eugenics-era rhetoric.
In one version of the ad, Sweeney is filmed saying:
“Genes are passed down… determining traits like hair colour, personality, and even eye colour. My jeans are blue.”
Critics likened the visuals and language to Nazi propaganda, focusing on physical traits historically associated with racial superiority. Even comparisons to Hitler-era rhetoric emerged online .
Political Blowback and Support
After Trump’s comments, other conservatives like Vice President JD Vance and Senator Ted Cruz also weighed in.
- Vice President Vance criticized Democrats for overreacting:
“So much of the Democrats is oriented around hostility… they can’t help but freak out.”
The brand and actress themselves have remained largely silent. American Eagle issued a delayed clarification stating the phrase is about “jeans,” not genes, and promised no cancellation though apologized indirectly for confusion.
Campaign Results: Stock Surge and Public Debate
Despite the backlash, the campaign generated massive visibility:
- American Eagle’s stock rose ~17–18%, gaining hundreds of millions in market value within 24 hours of launch.
- The campaign sparked over 4 billion online impressions, demonstrating viral reach even amidst criticism.
Many commentators suggest the controversy may have been inadvertently—or even intentionally—used as a marketing strategy.
Who is Sydney Sweeney?
Sydney Sweeney, aged 27, is known for her roles in series like Euphoria, The White Lotus, Sharp Objects, Narco‑Saints, and Big Bet. The campaign marks another high-profile brand association in her growing career.
Her voter registration record in Florida confirms alignment with the Republican Party since June 2024, lending political weight to Trump’s subsequent praise.
Why the Public Reaction?
This controversy highlights:
- The sensitivity of racial and body politics in branding.
- How a seemingly playful pun can be interpreted through ideological and historical lenses.
- That celebrity political affiliations can influence public and presidential perception of content.
Celebrities in South Korea and Hollywood alike often face scrutiny based on political leanings, and this incident underscores the cultural polarisation in the U.S.
Key Points Summary
| Issue | Details |
| Trump’s Reaction | Endorsed the ad only after learning Sweeney is Republican |
| Ad Controversy | Accused of racial overtones, eugenics messaging, white supremacy echo |
| Political Reactions | Conservatives defended it; liberals criticized it; brand explained but actor silent |
| Brand Impact | Stock jumped ~18% and soared online impressions |
Media Coverage Summary: This analysis is based on reports from NDTV, The Guardian, The Daily Beast, People.com, The Guardian, The Independent, and other outlets which detailed both Trump’s comments and the evolving debate over race, politics, and advertising strategy.
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