After reports emerged that actress Sydney Sweeney is registered as a Republican voter in Florida, former The View cohost Meghan McCain publicly defended the star. The controversy began when voter registration records revealed that someone named Sydney B. Sweeney, matching the actress’ birthdate, had registered as a Republican on June 14, 2024. As discussions intensified online, McCain urged social media users to stop targeting Sweeney with criticism, emphasizing her message with clap emojis on the platform X (formerly Twitter).
Support From Notable Public Figures Including Donald Trump
President Donald Trump also weighed in after being informed about Sweeney’s registered political affiliation during a recent Pennsylvania visit. Trump expressed surprise but conveyed support for Sweeney, even connecting it to the ongoing debate over her recent American Eagle jeans advertisement, which some viewers criticized for allegedly promoting controversial themes. Trump commented,
“She’s a registered Republican? Oh, now I love her ad,”
and later added,
“You’d be surprised at how many people are Republicans. That’s one I wouldn’t have known, but I’m glad you told me that. If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic.”
Clarifications Amid Past Political Imagery Concerns
Previously, Sydney Sweeney faced criticism connected to images from her mother‘s 60th birthday party in 2022, where some guests wore Blue Lives Matter merchandise and red hats styled with “Make America Sixty Again,” referencing MAGA themes. Sweeney addressed this backlash by clarifying that the individuals displaying these symbols were not family members but rather friends of her mother from Los Angeles. She explained their intention was to be humorous, noting many of the friends’ children actively participate in Pride parades. Reflecting on public judgment, Sweeney said,
“People are so fast to build someone up, and then they love tearing them down.”
Sydney Sweeney’s Career Highlights and Upcoming Projects
Beyond political controversies, Sydney Sweeney continues to achieve prominence in Hollywood. Following her breakout role alongside Zendaya in HBO’s hit series Euphoria, she starred in the romantic comedy Anyone but You, which grossed $220 million worldwide in 2023. Her recent film work includes a supporting role in the superhero movie Madame Web and a leading role in the horror film Immaculate. Fans can look forward to her next project, Americana, which is scheduled to premiere in theaters on August 15.
Ongoing Public and Media Interest
Entertainment Weekly has contacted representatives of Sydney Sweeney for comments regarding the ongoing political discussions. The situation underscores the challenges public figures face when personal political affiliations become subjects of widespread debate. As the conversation continues, support from Meghan McCain and others highlights the complexities surrounding celebrity privacy and political expression in today’s polarized climate.
