Donald Trump's Approval of Sydney Sweeney's Republican Background Sparks Controversy
Introduction
In a recent interview with Variety, former President Donald Trump expressed his delight upon discovering that actress Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican. Trump remarked, "If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, then I think her American Eagle jeans ad is fantastic." This statement has sparked a lot of conversation and controversy, making it a hot topic in the media.
Key Details
Sydney Sweeney, best known for her roles in "Euphoria" and "The White Lotus", has been gaining attention for her recent American Eagle jeans ad campaign. The ad features Sweeney wearing the brand's new denim line, showcasing her stunning figure and confidence. However, what caught Trump's eye was not just the ad itself, but the political affiliation of the ad's star.
Trump's approval of the ad and Sweeney's Republican background has caused a divide in opinions among fans and critics. Some argue that politics should not have any impact on the quality of an advertisement, while others believe that Sweeney's political views should not be overlooked.
Impact
The intersection of politics and entertainment has always been a controversial topic, and Trump's statement has only added fuel to the fire. While some may view Sweeney's political stance as irrelevant to her job as an actress, others believe that it is important for public figures to use their platform
About the People Mentioned
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump, born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is an American businessman, media personality, and politician. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1968 with a degree in economics. In 1971, he took over his family’s real estate business, renaming it the Trump Organization, through which he expanded into building and managing skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. Trump gained widespread fame as the host of the reality TV show *The Apprentice* from 2004 to 2015, which helped establish his public persona as a successful entrepreneur. Trump entered politics as a Republican and was elected the 45th president of the United States, serving from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was marked by significant policy actions including tax cuts, deregulation, the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, renegotiation of trade agreements (notably replacing NAFTA with the USMCA), and a focus on immigration control including border wall expansion. He withdrew the U.S. from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal, and engaged in a trade war with China. His administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized for downplaying the virus’s severity. Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives—first in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction, and again in 2021 for incitement of insurrection—but was acquitted by the Senate both times. After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump challenged the results, culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He remains a central figure in American politics, having won the 2024 presidential election and returned as the 47th president in 2025, continuing to promote policies aimed at economic growth, border security, and military strength[1][2][3][4].
Sydney Sweeney
Sydney Bernice Sweeney (born September 12, 1997, in Spokane, Washington) is an American actress and producer known for her versatile roles in television and film. She began her acting career with guest appearances on shows like *Pretty Little Liars* and *Criminal Minds*, but gained initial recognition in 2018 with her role as Emaline Addario in the Netflix series *Everything Sucks!* and as Eden Spencer in Hulu’s *The Handmaid’s Tale*. Sweeney's breakthrough came with the HBO drama series *Euphoria* (2019–present), where she portrays Cassie Howard, a complex teenager navigating toxic relationships and personal challenges. This role earned her widespread acclaim and a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2022 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. She is confirmed to have filmed for *Euphoria*’s highly anticipated third season. In 2021, she starred as Olivia Mossbacher in HBO’s anthology series *The White Lotus*, a satirical drama set at a luxury Hawaiian resort. Her performance garnered another Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. In film, Sweeney appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood* (2019). More recently, she had leading roles in *Reality* and *Anyone but You* (both 2023). In 2024, she starred as Julia Cornwall in the superhero film *Madame Web* and appeared in the horror film *Immaculate*. Sweeney moved to Los Angeles at age 13 to pursue acting and has been noted for her determination, including self-recording an audition tape for *Euphoria* despite initial discouragement. She continues to build a diverse career in both television and film, earning recognition for her nuanced performances and choice of challenging roles[1][2][5][6].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Variety
Variety is a leading U.S. entertainment trade magazine that has been at the forefront of the media industry for over a century. Founded in 1905, Variety has evolved from its origins as a weekly newspaper focused on vaudeville and theater to become a comprehensive source of news, analysis, and insights into the global entertainment business. **What Variety Does:** Variety covers a wide range of topics, including film, television, music, theater, and digital media. It provides in-depth reporting on industry trends, technological innovations, and business strategies. The organization also hosts events like the Entertainment and Technology Summit, which brings together top executives and creatives to discuss the latest developments in entertainment technology and innovation[2]. **History and Key Achievements:** Variety has a rich history of chronicling the evolution of the entertainment industry. It has been instrumental in documenting significant shifts, from the rise of Hollywood to the current digital streaming era. One of its notable achievements is the development of the Variety Intelligence Platform (VIP), which offers data-driven insights to media businesses, helping them navigate the complex media landscape[1]. **Current Status and Notable Aspects:** Today, Variety continues to be a vital source of information for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. It maintains a strong online presence, with a website and social media channels that provide up-to-date news and analysis. The organization's events, such as the Entertainment and Technology Summit, highlight its role in fostering dialogue and innovation within the industry[2]. Additionally, Variety's recognition of achievements through awards like the Entrepreneur Impact Award underscores its commitment to celebrating excellence in the entertainment sector[2]. Variety's influence extends beyond traditional media, as it explores emerging technologies like AI and virtual reality, which are reshaping the entertainment landscape. Through its comprehensive coverage and events, Variety remains a key player in shaping the future of the entertainment industry.
American Eagle
## Overview American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer renowned for its casual, comfortable, and on-trend clothing, accessories, and personal care products—primarily under the American Eagle and Aerie brands[3]. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company operates more than 1,000 stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and select international markets such as Hong Kong and Japan, while shipping to over 80 countries worldwide via its e-commerce platforms[1][3][4]. AEO’s core demographic is teenagers and young adults, though its appeal extends to a broader age range, thanks to its focus on quality, affordability, and inclusivity[1][2]. ## History and Growth Founded in 1977 by brothers Jerry and Mark Silverman, American Eagle began as a subsidiary of Retail Ventures, Inc., opening its first store in Novi, Michigan[1]. Over the decades, ownership shifted, with the Silvermans selling to the Schottenstein family, and the company evolved into a publicly traded entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: AEO)[1]. The company expanded its portfolio by launching Aerie (a body-positive intimates and apparel brand), acquiring Todd Snyder (a premium menswear brand), and introducing Unsubscribed (a sustainable, upscale line)[1]. In 2021, AEO bolstered its logistics capabilities with the acquisition of Quiet Logistics, a move aimed at enhancing its e-commerce and supply chain operations[1]. ## Key Achievements AEO has distinguished itself through several notable initiatives. Its Aerie brand became a cultural touchstone by championing body positivity and inclusivity, eschewing traditional retouching in advertising and featuring diverse models[2]. The company has also made strides in sustainability, releasing annual ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reports and launching the “AEO Better World” platform to highlight its commitments to ethical practices
