Trump Slams “Woke” Branding, Praises GOP-Friendly Ads in Blistering Social Post
In a characteristically offbeat but pointed post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump once again waded into America’s ever-growing cultural divide—this time using blue jeans, car ads, and pop stars to draw the battle lines between “winners” and “woke.”
Trump opened his August 4th post by applauding actress Sydney Sweeney—calling her American Eagle ad the “HOTTEST” on the market and crediting it with causing jeans to “fly off the shelves.” The president went so far as to highlight Sweeney’s Republican registration as part of the endorsement, subtly linking political affiliation to commercial success.
“Go get ‘em, Sydney!” he cheered.
A tale of two ads — and two Americas
But it wasn’t just a moment of praise. Trump then pivoted to what he called a cautionary tale. According to him, luxury automaker Jaguar had released a “seriously WOKE advertisement” that not only flopped with consumers but also led to the resignation of the company’s CEO. The ad in question is not named or directly linked, but Jaguar has indeed faced criticism over its 2024 gender-inclusive campaigns, and leadership changes at the company were confirmed earlier this year.
Trump’s message is clear: align with the political left and you risk financial and reputational ruin.
He reinforced this message by pointing to what he sees as another corporate casualty of “wokeness”: Bud Light. The beer brand lost billions in market cap following its brief 2023 marketing partnership with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney, which became a lightning rod for conservative backlash.
Swift, culture, and the ongoing war on “woke”
Of course, no Trump post would be complete without a jab at a celebrity. This time, the target was pop icon Taylor Swift. Trump claimed she was “booed out of the Super Bowl” after he publicly stated that he “can’t stand her.” There’s no verified evidence of Swift being booed at the game, but the comment speaks more to Trump’s narrative than any documented event.
Trump’s underlying message isn’t new: Corporate America, he argues, should steer clear of progressive messaging if it wants to stay afloat. The contrast he draws—between Sweeney’s success and Swift’s supposed downfall—feels symbolic of his broader political playbook.
Whether or not the market truly rewards “Republican values” over “woke” ideals is a matter still very much up for debate. While some brands have faced backlash, others have doubled down on inclusion and thrived. For example, Nike’s 2023 profits soared after campaigns that leaned into social issues.
The culture war continues, one ad at a time
To be honest, watching the president of the United States weigh in on denim ads and Super Bowl booing feels surreal—but also very 2025. Trump, now serving his second term, is clearly betting that the politics of cultural division still hold currency. And perhaps they do.
What’s also clear is that, for Trump, the line between entertainment, branding, and politics continues to blur. And whether you find that exhilarating or exhausting likely says a lot about which aisle—political or department store—you prefer to walk down.
