Why Donald Trump Is Talking About Actress Sydney Sweeney
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has weighed in on the latest pop‑culture controversy, publicly praising actress Sydney Sweeney after a wave of social‑media backlash over a commercial she appears in.
In a post on his Truth Social platform Monday, Trump wrote:
“Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the HOTTEST ad out there. Go get ’em Sydney!”
The Emmy‑nominated actress, best known for her roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, stars in a new jeans campaign for American Eagle. In the ad, Sweeney delivers a tongue‑in‑cheek line:
“Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair colour, personality and even eye colour. My jeans are blue.”
Backlash Over Wordplay
While the spot was intended as light‑hearted wordplay, some online critics argued it touched on sensitive topics, sparking a debate over beauty standards and perceived racial undertones. Others defended the ad as harmless, noting the double meaning between “genes” and “jeans” is a classic advertising trope.
Brand Stands By Campaign
In response to the criticism, American Eagle released a statement defending the commercial. The company clarified that the reference was strictly to denim jeans and was not meant to allude to genetics, race, or any sociopolitical issue.
Sweeney herself has not commented on the controversy, but Trump’s public praise has now pushed the debate into the political spotlight. His endorsement comes as the actress’s popularity continues to rise, with several high‑profile film and TV projects on her slate.
Whether the uproar will fade or further fuel discussion remains to be seen — but Sweeney’s ad, and Trump’s unsolicited stamp of approval, have ensured it’s getting far more attention than most jeans commercials ever do.
Why Donald Trump Is Talking About Actress Sydney Sweeney
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has jumped into the latest social‑media storm, offering words of support for Sydney Sweeney after the Emmy‑nominated actress faced backlash over her appearance in a jeans commercial.
On Monday, Trump posted on Truth Social:
“Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the HOTTEST ad out there. Go get ’em Sydney!”
The message not only praised Sweeney’s appearance but also highlighted her reported political affiliation, bringing a political twist to a controversy that began in the entertainment world.
The Ad in Question
Sweeney, known for her standout performances in HBO’s Euphoria and The White Lotus, stars in a new campaign for American Eagle. In the ad, she smiles at the camera and delivers a playful line:
“Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair colour, personality and even eye colour. My jeans are blue.”
The pun on “genes” and “jeans” is a long‑standing advertising trope, but in this case, it didn’t land the same way with everyone.
Backlash and Debate
Some social‑media users criticized the spot, claiming it played into outdated beauty ideals and potentially carried racial undertones. They argued that linking blue eyes — a genetic trait — with denim in a glamorous fashion ad could be interpreted as insensitive in today’s cultural climate.
Others came to Sweeney’s defense, calling the criticism overblown and pointing out that the ad’s intent was clearly light‑hearted. Fans noted that puns like this have been used in marketing for decades without controversy.
American Eagle Stands Firm
American Eagle responded to the backlash by defending both the campaign and Sweeney. The retailer emphasized that the line was simply a clever reference to denim jeans, not genetics, race, or social hierarchy. The company also stressed that Sweeney’s delivery matched the brand’s playful, youth‑oriented tone.
Politics Enters the Picture
Trump’s decision to weigh in has now pulled the conversation into the political arena. By noting Sweeney’s status as a “registered Republican” and praising her ad, Trump has reframed the story for his political base — turning a marketing dust‑up into a culture‑war talking point.
Sweeney’s Silence and Rising Profile
Sweeney has not publicly commented on either the criticism or Trump’s endorsement. The 27‑year‑old actress has been riding a wave of career momentum, with multiple film roles lined up and growing influence in both Hollywood and fashion circles.
Industry insiders say the controversy — and Trump’s involvement — will likely keep the ad in the public conversation far longer than most seasonal campaigns. For Sweeney, it’s another moment where her career intersects with wider cultural debates, something that may become more common as her profile continues to rise.
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