American Eagle Ad Controversy Spurs Stock Surge, Draws Trump Defense

American Eagle Outfitters' recent ad campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney sparked significant controversy, with critics accusing it of promoting eugenics and white supremacy due to its play on the words "genes" and "jeans." Despite the backlash, the campaign has been a commercial success, boosting American Eagle's stock by over 20%. President Donald Trump publicly defended the ad on his Truth Social platform, praising Sweeney and criticizing what he described as "woke" campaigns by other brands. Media figures like Megyn Kelly lauded Sweeney's natural beauty and suggested the backlash against the ad was politically motivated, framing it as a trap for the Democratic Party. Experts noted that American Eagle's response to criticism downplayed concerns and reflected a broader political climate shift since Trump's 2024 election, with companies distancing themselves from diversity and inclusion efforts. The campaign's polarizing reception highlights the intersection of advertising, politics, and cultural debates in the current American landscape.