In a notable turn of events, former President Donald Trump has publicly praised actress Sydney Sweeney amidst fierce criticism she has faced over an advertisement she participated in. This endorsement comes on the heels of social media backlash directed at Sweeney, known for her captivating performances in shows like “Euphoria” and “The White Lotus.” On Monday, Trump, through a post on his Truth Social platform, commended Sweeney, writing, “Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the HOTTEST ad out there. Go get ’em Sydney!” His enthusiastic endorsement drew attention not only to Sweeney’s burgeoning career but also to the intertwining of celebrity culture and political affiliations.
Sweeney features prominently in a commercial for American Eagle, where she delivers a tongue-in-cheek line about the genetic connection between parents and offspring. The advertisement has drawn ire for its controversial wordplay; the phrase, “My jeans are blue,” has been criticized by some as insensitive given its potential implications relevant to discussions about race and beauty standards in society. This criticism has ignited a substantial debate across social media platforms, with Sweeney being at the center of discussions regarding the broader meanings behind the phrasing.
The commercial launched on July 23, capturing public attention particularly due to its catchy slogan, “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.” As the advertisement began to circulate on television, social media, and store fronts, it swiftly became a lightning rod for controversy. Critics pointed out that the clever pun could be misconstrued as echoing discredited eugenics theories, which argue for the supposed improvement of humanity through selective breeding. Surprisingly, while some users decried the advertisement, others vocally supported Sweeney, deeming the backlash outrageous and disproportionate.
Interestingly, Trump’s involvement in the drama coincided with reports indicating Sweeney’s political registration as a Republican in Florida. In a widely noted reaction to the situation, Trump expressed his surprise upon learning of Sweeney’s political affiliation, stating that he was pleased to discover her alignment with his party. His comments could be perceived as reinforcing the narrative of conservative celebrities feeling disenfranchised in an industry often seen as predominantly liberal.
As for Sweeney, she has yet to publicly comment on the intense discussions incited by the advertisement or her political affiliations. In previous instances, she has been cautious about her political position; in 2023, for example, she pushed back against assumptions made about her after images from a family gathering, which featured guests in “Make America Great Again” hats, circulated online. In response to politicization of her personal life, Sweeney has urged the public to refrain from making sweeping judgments about her views based on individual events.
American Eagle, the brand behind the controversial advertisement, has stood firmly by its campaign, declaring that the focus remains on their denim and the empowering narrative shared by Sweeney. The statement from the company emphasized confidence in individuality: “Her jeans. Her story.” The well-timed mention of Sweeney’s Republican ties, especially in the wake of trump’s Tweets, subsequently led to an impressive uptick in American Eagle’s stock, which increased by approximately 20%. Experts in marketing suggest that the buzz generated from these controversies can yield returns significantly greater than the investment made in producing the advertisement.
Finally, Sweeney being identified as a registered Republican since 2024 opens discussions on the complexities of political identity in Hollywood. Although Sweeney has not actively engaged in political discourse, the mere fact of her registration amidst a tumultuous political climate adds layers to her personal narrative. In a challenging interview, she reflected on the burdens of celebrity and expressed frustration with the narrative surrounding her, indicating a desire for peace from public speculation about her views. The overarching dynamics not only reveal the unpredictable nature of public reaction but also underscore how intertwined celebrity culture and politics have become in contemporary America.
