Donald Trump has unexpectedly entered the online debate about Sydney Sweeney’s recent American Eagle ad. The controversy began when the clothing brand released a campaign featuring Sweeney with the slogan “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans,” a playful pun on the words “jeans” and “genes.”
While some people saw the ad as lighthearted, others accused it of promoting outdated beauty ideals and making subtle references to eugenics. The backlash quickly turned into a culture-war flashpoint, with political commentators, social media users, and celebrities weighing in.
Trump, speaking at a recent event, sided with Sweeney and criticized those attacking the ad. He argued that the outrage was another example of “cancel culture” and said the reaction showed how overly sensitive society had become. His remarks echoed other conservative voices who defended Sweeney and saw the criticism as political correctness gone too far.
By mentioning Sweeney and American Eagle, Trump tied the debate to his broader message about resisting what he views as excessive social policing. His comments also reflect how celebrity moments can quickly become part of larger political talking points.
What started as a fashion ad has now become a topic in national political discourse — proof that in today’s climate, even a simple marketing joke can end up on a former president’s speech list.