The intersection of pop culture, politics, and advertising took center stage this week as President Donald Trump praised an American Eagle campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney, igniting a nationwide debate. The viral ad, which plays on the double entendre of “jeans” and “genes,” has prompted discussions about race, gender, and political affiliations in America’s cultural battleground.
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Why Did Donald Trump Praise Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Ad?
Donald Trump used his platform on Truth Social to hail the American Eagle campaign as evidence that “woke” marketing strategies are failing. “
Trump didn’t hold back his opinions, lauding Sweeney’s performance by calling it “the HOTTEST ad out there,” while lambasting a recent Jaguar ad featuring androgynous models as a “total disaster”. He also took aim at Bud Light, which faced backlash after partnering with a transgender spokesperson in 2023, suggesting brands that embrace progressive messaging suffer in the marketplace.
“Shouldn’t they have learned a lesson from Bud Lite, which went Woke and essentially destroyed, in a short campaign, the Company. The market cap destruction has been unprecedented, with BILLIONS OF DOLLARS SO FOOLISHLY LOST”.
Is Sydney Sweeney Actually a Registered Republican?
Speculation about Sydney Sweeney’s political inclinations intensified after public records obtained by Buzzfeed News revealed that she is a registered Republican in Monroe County, Florida. The registration, dated June 2024, became a focal point amid the ongoing cultural conversation sparked by the American Eagle campaign.
This revelation comes at a time when Sweeney is under intense scrutiny, especially from progressive circles, over perceived racial undertones in the advertisements. Critics have pointed out that emphasizing Sweeney’s “good genes” — specifically referencing her blue eyes and blonde hair — evokes themes associated with eugenics and racial purity.
How Did American Eagle Respond to the Controversy?
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) swiftly defended its campaign, insisting that it was always centered around denim. In a public statement on Instagram, the company clarified: “The advertising is and always was about jeans.” The brand further emphasized its commitment to celebrating how “everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, in their own way.”
In its official press release, American Eagle described the Fall 2025 campaign as a “return to essential denim dressing” and celebrated its heritage as “the #1 jeans brand for Gen Z.” Jennifer Foyle, President and Executive Creative Director – AE & Aerie, noted, “This fall season, American Eagle is celebrating what makes our brand iconic – trendsetting denim that leads, never follows.” The brand lauded Sweeney’s involvement, stating that her “allure” combined with AE’s wardrobe creates a “winning combo of ease, attitude, and a little mischief.”
What Is the Controversy Behind the “Genes” and “Jeans” Wordplay?
At the core of the debate is the campaign’s cheeky play on words, juxtaposing “genes” (hereditary traits) with “jeans” (denim wear). In one of the ads, Sweeney quips, “Genes are passed from parents to children,” while another close-up shot zooms in on her cleavage as she remarks, “My body composition is determined by my genes.”
Many viewers interpreted these lines as a subtle nod to racial and genetic superiority, given Sweeney’s stereotypical “all-American” appearance. The backlash was further fueled by the use of billboards where the word “genes” was crossed out and corrected to “jeans.” For some, this visual was a provocation that symbolized a flirtation with white supremacy narratives.
Others, however, dismissed the outrage, suggesting that critics were reading too deeply into a playful and humorous marketing ploy designed to highlight Sweeney’s undeniable charisma and AE’s denim expertise.
What Are the Highlights of the American Eagle Fall 2025 Collection?
Beyond the controversy, the Fall 2025 collection is a robust showcase of American Eagle’s denim innovation:
- A limited-edition denim jacket inspired by Sweeney’s on-set style, retailing for $79.95.
- Over 200 fits of AE jeans, including 50+ new styles like the 70s-inspired High-Rise Flare and Low-Rise Baggy Wide Leg.
- The launch of “The Sydney Jean,” featuring a butterfly motif representing domestic violence awareness. All proceeds from this item will benefit Crisis Text Line, offering 24/7 confidential mental health support.
