President Trump Backs American Eagle, Sends Stock Soaring on Woke Debate

President Trump backs American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) new ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, calling it the "HOTTEST ad out there." Trump declares "being woke is for losers" and praises Sweeney, sending AEO shares up nearly 18% in Monday trading. The ad features Sweeney showcasing American Eagle jeans and has sparked debate over eugenics claims. Analysts have a Hold consensus rating on AEO stock with an average price target of $11.30 per share, implying 10.67% downside risk.

President Donald Trump has praised American Eagle Outfitters' (AEO) new ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, describing it as the "HOTTEST ad out there." The ad, which sparked debate over eugenics claims, has seen AEO shares rise nearly 18% in Monday trading. Trump, who was informed of Sweeney's registered Republican status, expressed his support for the ad and the brand, stating that "being woke is for losers" [1].

The ad campaign, titled "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Genes," has been criticized by some for implying eugenics and white supremacy. However, Trump's endorsement has bolstered the company's stock. Analysts have a Hold consensus rating on AEO stock with an average price target of $11.30 per share, implying a 10.67% downside risk [3].

The controversy over the ad has been echoed by Vice President JD Vance, who mocked the Democrats' reaction, stating, "My political advice to the Democrats is continue to tell everybody who thinks Sydney Sweeney is attractive is a Nazi" [2].

American Eagle Outfitters has responded to the backlash by emphasizing that the ad is about the jeans and not any other message. The company's stock has been volatile in recent days, falling as much as 16% over four days before Trump's endorsement [3].

References:
[1] https://nypost.com/2025/08/04/us-news/trump-praises-sydney-sweeney-after-learning-shes-a-registered-republican-as-woke-mob-torches-her-american-eagle-jeans-ad/
[2] https://www.newsmax.com/thewire/donald-trump-sydney-sweeney-ad/2025/08/04/id/1221176/
[3] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4477358-trump-bump-boosts-american-eagle