Trump Praises Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad, Sending American Eagle Stock Soaring

Key Takeaways

• American Eagle shares took off Monday after the president praised its recent ad campaign with actress Sydney Sweeney.
• Critics said the ads were hypersexualized and made references to discriminatory ideas about genetics.
• American Eagle said on Instagram that the ad has always been about Sweeney’s jeans.

American Eagle (AEO) shares soared Monday as the president applauded its recent ad campaign with actress Sydney Sweeney.

“Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the ‘HOTTEST’ ad out there. It’s for American Eagle, and the jeans are ‘flying off the shelves.’ Go get ‘em Sydney,” President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social media platform Monday morning. “Being WOKE is for losers, being Republican is what you want to be.”

Shares of American Eagle surged nearly 24% Monday afternoon after Trump’s comments, following days of public discourse on ads critics said were hypersexualized and played on discriminatory ideas about genetics.

In a video ad unveiled in late July, the actress—who has lighter hair and blue eyes—discussed the science behind genetics, and a narrator added, “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.” To some, the promotion seemed to echo ideas on the superior genetics of white people.

American Eagle didn’t immediately respond to an Investopedia request for comment. The retailer said the ad has always been about jeans, and that “great jeans look good on everyone,” on Instagram last week.

Despite the recent gains for American Eagle stock, the shares have still lost about a fifth of their value this year. They’ve slumped in recent months amid worries about the company’s outlook, which the retailer pulled in May.