Overview

• Florida Department of State records confirm Sweeney registered as a Republican voter in Monroe County on June 14, 2024, a finding driven by a viral X post.
• Critics say the campaign’s genes-versus-jeans wordplay echoes eugenics ideology and carries racist undertones.
• Steven Cheung labeled the backlash “dense liberal thinking” and described criticism of the ad as cancel culture run amok.
• American Eagle Outfitters has publicly supported the campaign and its stock has climbed about 4 percent since the ad debuted.
• Sweeney has not issued any statement addressing her party affiliation or the dispute over the advertisement.