What began as a clever denim campaign has quickly evolved into a cultural and political flashpoint.
Sydney Sweeney, the Emmy-nominated star of Euphoria and The White Lotus, is now at the center of national discourse-not for her on-screen roles, but for her recent American Eagle ad. The campaign, built around the pun “Sydney Sweeney has great genes,” plays on the double meaning of “genes” and “jeans,” with Sweeney quipping, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, my jeans are blue.”
While the ad initially drew attention for its playful creativity, it went viral for a different reason. Reports surfaced that Sweeney registered as a Republican in Florida in June 2024, shortly after Donald Trump’s conviction in New York. The timing led to speculation about the political undertones of the campaign.
Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the controversy, stating: “If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic!”
The statement added fuel to the online firestorm. Social media reactions were sharply divided-some users praised the ad as clever and refreshingly nostalgic, while others accused it of quietly endorsing conservative ideals under the guise of lighthearted fashion.
American Eagle, meanwhile, has found itself at the intersection of politics and pop culture, facing both backlash and applause. As the debate rages on, the brand and its campaign are being closely scrutinized-raising broader questions about celebrity endorsements, consumer values, and the politicization of everyday culture.
