On a live television interview, President Donald Trump was surprised to learn about actress Sydney Sweeney’s political affiliation and promptly extended his support for her controversial American Eagle ad. The news broke when Buzzfeed reported that Sweeney, known for her role in various TV shows, had registered as a Republican in Florida the previous year. Trump, upon discovering this detail, expressed his admiration for Sweeney’s recent campaign with the popular clothing brand American Eagle.
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The 27-year-old actress’s advertisement for American Eagle, which was launched on July 23, faced backlash for its perceived racially charged themes and hints at genetic superiority. Critics pointed out that the ad, with the tagline “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans,” played on the words “genes” and “jeans,” linking genetic traits with clothing preferences. This led to allegations of promoting eugenics – the controversial practice of selective breeding to enhance human characteristics.
In addition to the racial implications, Sweeney’s American Eagle ad was also criticised for its sexualisation and appeal to the male gaze. Some viewers drew parallels between Sweeney’s campaign and the infamous Calvin Klein ad from the 1980s featuring Brook Shields, which was condemned for similar themes of passing down traits through generations. Despite the controversy, Trump publicly lauded Sweeney’s ad, commending her and the brand for their work in the fashion industry.
Following the on-air revelation, Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to further praise Sydney Sweeney and her American Eagle campaign. He highlighted Sweeney’s political affiliation in a positive light, emphasising her success in the advertisement that was reportedly boosting sales for the clothing brand. The president’s endorsement added another layer to the ongoing discussion surrounding the controversial campaign and Sweeney’s Republican registration in Florida.
Buzzfeed News also reported that Sweeney’s voter registration with the Florida Republican Party coincided with her relocation to a luxurious home in the Florida Keys in 2024. Despite her confirmed party alignment, the actress has not publicly engaged in discussions about her political beliefs or shown direct support for Trump. The combination of Sweeney’s professional endeavours, political ties, and Trump’s unexpected endorsement has sparked renewed interest in the actress’s public image.
As the news of Trump’s support for Sydney Sweeney continues to circulate, discussions around the intersection of politics and celebrity endorsements are reignited. The interaction between prominent figures like Trump and Sweeney raises questions about the influence of celebrity affiliations on public perception and consumer behaviour. It remains to be seen how Sweeney will navigate the aftermath of this political spotlight and how it may impact her future projects and collaborations in the entertainment industry.