Is Sydney Sweeney a Republican?

Sydney Sweeney has found herself at the center of controversy once again, this time over her partnership with American Eagle. The brand’s new campaign, meant to highlight its “good jeans,” sparked outrage online for also appearing to praise Sweeney’s “good genes”—specifically her blonde hair and blue eyes. Critics were quick to call out the campaign’s undertones, accusing both the actress and the brand of promoting a problematic message that has dominated social media discourse over the past week. 

The uproar only intensified after Buzzfeed reported that, as of 2024, Sweeney is registered as a Republican voter in Florida. For many who have been closely watching her career, the revelation wasn’t surprising. Sweeney previously faced scrutiny in 2022 when she posted photos from her mother’s “surprise hoedown” birthday party, where guests sported MAGA-style hats and one attendee was seen in a “Blue Lives Matter” shirt. At the time, she defended the event, but critics argued it revealed more about her family’s—and possibly her own—politics than she intended.

Adding another layer to the current discourse, President Donald Trump has now publicly defended Sweeney amid the backlash. „If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic,“ he told a reporter who brought up the campaign to him. While intended as support, his involvement has only fueled the criticism, with many social media users arguing that his endorsement makes the actress’s position appear even more fraught.

As the debate rages on, Sweeney has remained silent, while American Eagle put out a statement saying it was always about Sweeney’s „jeans,“ not „genes.“

With every new revelation about Sydney Sweeney or a high-profile figure stepping in to defend her, the gap between her Hollywood ascent and the public’s perception of her politics grows wider. And when celebrity collides with politics, it’s rarely anything short of combustible.