Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his enthusiasm upon learning that actress Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, following controversy surrounding her recent ad campaign with American Eagle.
“She’s a registered Republican?” Trump responded when asked about Sweeney’s political stance. “Now I like her ad.” He added, “You’d be surprised how many people are Republicans. I wouldn’t have known, but I’m glad you told me. If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, then I think her ad is fantastic.”
REPORTER: “Actress Sydney Sweeney — it came out this weekend that she’s a registered Republican.”@POTUS: “You’d be surprised at how many people are Republicans … I’m glad you told me that. If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic!” 😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/baLwJHBbuD
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 4, 2025
The actress’s political affiliation became public amid criticism of her promotional campaign for American Eagle. According to the New York Post, she has been registered with the Republican Party in Monroe County, Florida, since June 2024.
A Controversial Campaign
The campaign, titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” quickly went viral — but for the wrong reasons. In a promotional video posted to American Eagle’s Instagram account, the 27-year-old actress walks past a billboard that reads “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Genes.” She then crosses out the word “Genes” and replaces it with “Jeans” before walking away.
While some viewed the wordplay as a lighthearted marketing move, others labeled it inappropriate. Critics argued that the original slogan evoked associations with “Nazi propaganda,” pointing to its implications about genetic superiority. Supporters, however, dismissed the backlash, calling it a humorous and creative concept.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance weighed in on the controversy, mocking left-wing critics during an appearance on the Ruthless podcast. “My political advice to Democrats is to keep saying that anyone who finds Sydney Sweeney attractive is a Nazi,” he quipped. “That seems to be their strategy.”
In a statement posted on Instagram, American Eagle defended the campaign, emphasizing that it was meant to highlight individuality and inclusivity.
“‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ was and remains a story about jeans — her jeans. Her story,” the brand stated. “We continue to celebrate how everyone wears AE jeans with confidence, in their own way. Great jeans look great on everyone.”
The campaign, though divisive, has sparked widespread conversation — and now, political commentary — about fashion, branding, and public image in the digital age.
