In a political twist to a viral fashion campaign, US President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind actress Sydney Sweeney’s latest ad with American Eagle, but only after discovering her Republican ties. “If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic!” Trump declared on Monday, adding fuel to the media frenzy surrounding the denim commercial.
The President’s remarks came while boarding Air Force One in Allentown, Pennsylvania. When a reporter mentioned that Sweeney was registered as a Republican, Trump lit up. “She’s a registered Republican? Oh, now I love her ad! Is that right?” he asked. “You’d be surprised at how many people are Republicans. I wouldn’t have known; I’m glad you told me that.”
According to The Guardian, public records confirm that Sweeney registered as a Republican in Florida on June 14, 2024, shortly after buying a home in the Florida Keys. While the actress has remained publicly silent on her political views, the revelation has stirred debate, particularly in the context of her controversial new ad campaign.
While some applauded the campaign’s creativity and Sweeney’s delivery, others condemned it as tone-deaf and politically charged. Critics accused the brand of promoting ideologies linked to eugenics and white supremacy, especially given current Republican efforts to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The timing of the ad, during a politically sensitive climate, has only intensified scrutiny. With Trump’s administration pushing hardline stances on immigration and DEI, many interpreted the campaign as aligned, intentionally or not, with right-wing messaging.
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In response, American Eagle issued a statement defending the campaign: “‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story.” The brand emphasized that the campaign was never meant to carry political or racial implications.