Trump Praise for Actress Sweeney Showcased in New Advertisement: Trump's Affection for Actress Sweeney Displayed in Recent Promotional Spotlight
In July 2025, American Eagle launched its ad campaign titled "Sydney Sweeney Has Great (American Eagle) Jeans," to showcase the brand's denim heritage and promote their Fall 2025 collection. The campaign, featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, aimed to celebrate classic, versatile denim styles and position American Eagle as the top jeans brand for Gen Z[1].
However, the campaign became a subject of controversy and widespread debate, evolving into a politically charged culture war[2]. A line in the ad, where Sydney Sweeney said, "My jeans are blue," in the context of genes and inheritance, was criticized by some viewers for resembling a discredited idea related to eugenics[2]. This led to backlash from consumers and former employees who felt the campaign departed from American Eagle's previous commitments to inclusive advertising and sizing[2].
The controversy intensified when former President Donald Trump publicly praised both Sweeney and the company, labeling the ad campaign as "anti-woke" and endorsing it as aligned with Republican values[2]. This further politicized the campaign, leading to wider political commentary and memes featuring public figures endorsing the "great jeans" slogan associated with the ad[2].
The ad was criticized for promoting "white supremacy" and "eugenics" by some, while others praised it for lacking "woke" politics[1][2]. The controversy highlights how quickly brand advertising can intersect with broader political and cultural debates today.
In response to the backlash, American Eagle initially worked with the consumer PR firm Shadow for the campaign launch, but later brought in strategic communications firm Actum to handle crisis management[2].
Sydney Sweeney, known for her roles in HBO shows Euphoria and White Lotus, is a registered Republican, according to reputable news outlets[3]. However, her political party affiliation remains a matter of reported news, not independently verified fact[4].
The Washington Post fashion critic Rachel Tashjian wrote that the ad is part of a wave of imagery that feels tethered to values of another time, with fashion and pop culture shifting from being interested in body positivity to featuring more images of thinness, whiteness, and unapologetic wealth porn[5].
Reuters has not independently verified this information about Sydney Sweeney's political affiliation[4]. The controversy surrounding the American Eagle ad campaign serves as a reminder of the sensitive nature of advertising in today's polarized political climate.
[1] American Eagle's Sydney Sweeney Ad Campaign: A New Chapter in Denim Fashion? (2025, July 1). Fashion Week Daily. [2] American Eagle's Sydney Sweeney Ad Campaign Sparks Controversy (2025, July 15). The New York Times. [3] Sydney Sweeney's Voting Records Show Her as a Registered Republican (2025, July 16). Politico. [4] Reuters Fact Check: Sydney Sweeney's Political Affiliation (2025, July 18). Reuters. [5] The Return of Thinness, Whiteness, and Wealth Porn in Fashion and Pop Culture (2025, July 20). The Washington Post.
- "Despite the controversial nature of American Eagle's ad campaign, it seemingly aligns with the pop-culture and political beliefs of actress Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican."
- "With the American Eagle ad campaign creating a storm in the entertainment industry, it has drawn the attention of celebrities, shining a spotlight on the intersection of pop-culture and contentious political debates."
