August 4, 2025 — TWWnews.com
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly praised actress Sydney Sweeney’s latest American Eagle campaign, calling it “fantastic” following reports of her Republican voter registration. The ad, however, has ignited a wave of criticism over its messaging.
The campaign’s tagline — “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans” — plays on the homophones “jeans” and “genes,” sparking backlash from commentators who argue it echoes language historically tied to eugenics and racial superiority.
She’s smart, she’s beautiful, and she’s a Republican. Fantastic ad. Great jeans — and great genes too, Trump said on August 3 while boarding Air Force One.
In the ad, Sweeney models denim while narrating:
Genes are passed down by parents… My jeans are blue.
Critics say the wordplay blurs the line between fashion and genetics, raising concerns about implied beauty standards and racial undertones. American Eagle has since disabled comments on its social media posts and altered some visuals, though the main message remains unchanged.
Sweeney, 27, registered as a Republican in Florida in June 2024, according to public records. She made her first public appearance since the controversy at a Los Angeles screening of her film Americana on August 3, but did not comment on the ad.
🔍 Public Reaction
- The ad has gone viral on TikTok and Instagram, drawing both praise and criticism.
- Civil rights advocates have called for more thoughtful brand messaging.
- Conservative voices have defended Sweeney, dismissing the backlash as “manufactured outrage.”
American Eagle responded to the controversy with a statement:
Our campaign celebrates individuality and self-expression. We stand by Sydney and the creative direction.