American Eagle Stock Soars 22% After Trump Backs Sydney Sweeney Ad Campaign

American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) shares skyrocketed on Monday, climbing more than 22% following an unexpected boost from former President Donald Trump. His endorsement of the retailer’s viral Sydney Sweeney ad campaign ignited a frenzy across social media and the stock market, sending AEO stock to its highest single-day gain this quarter.

The stock surge followed Trump’s post on Truth Social, where he praised Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign. “Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the ‘HOTTEST’ ad out there,” Trump wrote. “It’s for American Eagle, and the jeans are ‘flying off the shelves.’ Go get ’em Sydney!”

The campaign’s clever wordplay—“Sydney Sweeney has great jeans” vs. “Sydney Sweeney has great genes”—sparked widespread attention, debate, and controversy over its intended message. Critics questioned whether the ad carried a double meaning related to genetics and body image. But the buzz was undeniable.

American Eagle responded swiftly on Instagram, clarifying the creative intent: “‘Sydney Sweeney has great jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story.” The brand’s response, coupled with Trump’s public praise, added fuel to a cultural and financial firestorm that now has Wall Street paying close attention.

Why Did American Eagle Stock Jump After the Sydney Sweeney Ad?

American Eagle stock’s dramatic spike came just days after the company launched its newest ad campaign featuring Emmy-nominated actress Sydney Sweeney. The campaign has gone viral, partly due to its play on words and mostly due to a timely endorsement from a high-profile political figure.

Trump’s approval not only elevated the campaign’s visibility but also drew in new investors—especially those tuned into meme stock trends and politically-charged endorsements. American Eagle’s shares, which had already experienced some volatility after being grouped with meme stocks in July, found new life from this unexpected wave of publicity.

Market analysts note that this kind of viral moment—where pop culture meets politics—can deliver substantial short-term gains. “We’re witnessing a rare fusion of brand buzz and political clout driving investor behavior,” said a senior equity strategist at a major New York firm.

Is American Eagle Becoming the Next Meme Stock?

While American Eagle isn’t new to the retail scene, its recent inclusion in meme stock circles has put it on a very different radar. With the ad campaign trending and Trump’s comments amplifying its reach, the company may be experiencing a phenomenon more commonly associated with startups or edgy disruptors.

Previously, American Eagle had seen modest growth in the first half of 2025. However, its stock had become increasingly volatile since July, when it was loosely associated with other meme stock plays. Monday’s 22% leap—closing at $13.12—suggests a powerful resurgence driven by narrative rather than fundamentals alone.

Retail investors on platforms like Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok are rallying behind Sweeney and the brand, blending celebrity, fashion, and political ideology into a unique investment cocktail.

What Does This Mean for the Future of American Eagle?

While it’s unclear how long this spike will sustain, the campaign has already become one of American Eagle’s most talked-about initiatives in years. Celebrity endorsements, especially when paired with viral social media content and political commentary, have the potential to reshape brand perception and investor sentiment.

In the broader context, this could prompt American Eagle to lean further into influencer-led campaigns and tap into the culture-driven marketing that Gen Z and younger Millennials respond to. Meanwhile, some investors caution that such spikes often cool quickly unless backed by strong earnings or consistent growth strategies.

You Must Know:

What is the current stock price of American Eagle?
As of Monday afternoon, American Eagle (AEO) was trading at $13.12, reflecting a 22.16% increase from the previous session. This marks its highest single-day gain in the past three months.

Why is Sydney Sweeney featured in American Eagle’s campaign?
Sydney Sweeney, known for her roles in hit TV shows, represents a blend of youthful appeal and fashion-forward identity that aligns with American Eagle’s target audience. Her public profile has significantly boosted the campaign’s visibility.

Did Donald Trump’s post directly affect the stock price?
Yes, Trump’s endorsement on Truth Social created immediate media and market reaction, coinciding with a sharp increase in trading volume and investor interest.

What does ‘Sydney Sweeney has great jeans’ really mean?
The slogan is a play on homophones, cleverly referring to both denim and genetics. However, American Eagle clarified it solely refers to their product—jeans—and Sweeney’s fashion story.

Is American Eagle now considered a meme stock?
It’s not officially categorized as one, but recent social media buzz and meme trading behavior suggest it’s gaining traction in meme stock circles, at least temporarily.