American Eagle Outfitters’ stock jumped nearly 20% on Monday after former President Donald Trump publicly praised the company’s ad campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, calling it “fantastic” and saying the jeans were “flying off the shelves.”
Trump’s support followed revelations that Sweeney, known for her roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, is a registered Republican voter. The ad, which includes the phrase “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans,” has sparked both support and criticism across social media.
Critics questioned the campaign’s tone, while supporters—including HBO’s Bill Maher—dismissed the backlash as overreaction. American Eagle defended the creative direction, stating, “This campaign is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her narrative.”
Despite the controversy, the attention has helped the brand regain investor confidence, with shares climbing to $12.61, pushing the retailer’s market cap to $2.14 billion.
