Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Ad Sparks Backlash and Trump Praise Amid “Woke” Debate

In a whirlwind of controversy, Sydney Sweeney’s latest ad campaign with American Eagle has ignited intense debate across social media and news outlets. While the campaign, titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” was designed as a clever play on words, it has faced fierce criticism for being hypersexualized and allegedly promoting outdated and harmful concepts. Yet, the noise only grew louder when former President Donald Trump chimed in—adding fuel to the fire by calling it the “HOTTEST ad out there.”

The American Eagle backlash centers around the dual-meaning marketing campaign featuring Sweeney, known for her roles in “Euphoria” and “Anyone But You.” In the ad, Sweeney delivers a seemingly educational line about genetics, saying, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring… My jeans are blue.” The line is accompanied by visual puns, including crossed-out words and subtle references to physical traits, sparking concern among critics.

Why Is the American Eagle Ad Featuring Sydney Sweeney Sparking Backlash?

The controversy over the American Eagle campaign is rooted in its suggestive language and visuals. While the brand insists it’s about “jeans,” critics say it hints at eugenics and sexual objectification. Eugenics, a long-debunked and dangerous theory centered on selective breeding, is a term that instantly triggers alarm bells, especially when hinted at—even unintentionally—in a fashion ad.

Some online commentators drew comparisons to the infamous 1980 Calvin Klein ads featuring a then-15-year-old Brooke Shields, which similarly faced backlash for sexualizing young actresses in denim promotions. Though Sweeney is an adult, the suggestive tone and focus on her physical attributes have led many to question the brand’s judgment.

Trump’s Praise and Sweeney’s Political Affiliation Add Fuel to the Fire

Former President Donald Trump praised the campaign and Sweeney, saying on his Truth Social platform, “Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the HOTTEST ad out there.” His comments quickly went viral, especially after he initially misspelled her name.

Trump went on to say, “Being WOKE is for losers, being Republican is what you want to be,” doubling down on his anti-woke messaging and tying the controversy to the ongoing cultural divide in America.

Fueling the political undertone, multiple media outlets confirmed that a “Sydney B Sweeney” is indeed a registered Republican in Monroe County, Florida—a region where the actress reportedly bought a mansion in 2024.

Though Sweeney herself has not commented on her voter registration or the political implications, Trump’s support has certainly added a new dimension to the campaign’s already polarizing impact.

How American Eagle Responded to the Ad Backlash

Amid rising criticism, American Eagle released a statement defending the campaign. “’Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story,” the company clarified, emphasizing the brand’s message of self-expression and body confidence.

Despite the statement, debates continue online, with many questioning whether the ad crossed a line. While the brand has not pulled the campaign, it has limited its promotion following the uproar.

Sydney Sweeney: Style Icon or Controversial Figure?

For Sweeney, the spotlight is nothing new—but the attention isn’t always easy. She’s previously opened up about needing to work constantly to afford her lifestyle, and recently gained 30 pounds to portray boxing legend Christy Martin for an upcoming biopic. That level of commitment to her roles shows her professionalism and depth as an actress—qualities often overshadowed by public debate over her appearance.

While she hasn’t addressed the American Eagle backlash directly, her silence is being interpreted in various ways—either as strategic avoidance or a sign of her desire to remain focused on her craft.

What’s Next for American Eagle and Sydney Sweeney?

As culture wars continue to ripple through the fashion and entertainment industries, the American Eagle controversy may become a case study in brand messaging, audience reception, and the unintended consequences of edgy marketing.

For now, Sydney Sweeney’s ad remains online, and so does the conversation—raising important questions about where fashion, politics, and public perception collide.

The American Eagle backlash has morphed into a cultural flashpoint, blending fashion, politics, and public opinion into one of the summer’s most talked-about marketing controversies. With Sydney Sweeney at the center, the conversation isn’t just about denim—it’s about identity, perception, and the ever-evolving expectations of celebrity influence.

You Must Know:

Why is Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad controversial?
Critics say the ad uses wordplay that blurs the line between fashion and genetic references, which some interpreted as promoting eugenics. Others called it overly sexualized, sparking widespread backlash.

Did Donald Trump really praise the ad?
Yes. Former President Trump called Sydney Sweeney’s ad “HOTTEST” and praised her for being a Republican, tying the fashion campaign to his anti-woke rhetoric.

What did American Eagle say in response?
American Eagle defended the campaign by stating that the message was purely about “jeans” and personal expression, not “genes” or political affiliations.

Is Sydney Sweeney a Republican?
Public records from Monroe County, Florida, show a “Sydney B Sweeney” registered as a Republican, which aligns with reports that she purchased a home in that area.

Has Sydney Sweeney responded to the controversy?
As of now, Sweeney has not made a public statement about the backlash or her political affiliation.

How does this impact American Eagle’s brand image?
The brand is under scrutiny, with many praising its bold marketing and others criticizing it for pushing boundaries too far. Its long-term impact will depend on public sentiment and future campaigns.