• Donald Trump Jr. posted a disturbing meme of his father’s face on Sydney Sweeney’s body, triggering widespread disgust online.
• The meme came amid backlash over American Eagle’s ad featuring Sweeney, accused of promoting racial and eugenic undertones.
• Social media users called the post “creepy” and “nauseating,” with even Trump supporters expressing discomfort.

Donald Trump Jr. is no stranger to controversy, but his latest online stunt managed to hit a new nerve—and for many, it went far beyond bad taste. In the middle of a heated backlash against American Eagle’s ad campaign starring actress Sydney Sweeney, Trump Jr. jumped in with what he thought was a joke. But instead of laughter, the internet responded with disgust.

He posted a surreal image online: his father, former President Donald Trump’s face, superimposed onto Sweeney’s denim-clad body from the American Eagle ad. The caption? A strange play on Zoolander: “That Hanse… Um, Donald is so hot right now!!!” The meme also featured the track “Relax,” a song famously tied to the movie’s satire of the fashion industry.

But this wasn’t just a quirky nod to pop culture—it was a lightning rod.

Viewers Called It Creepy, Disturbing, and Flat-Out Gross

Social media erupted almost instantly. Many couldn’t believe what they were seeing. One X user said the image made her feel “beyond nauseous,” while others labeled it “creepy” and “deeply weird.” Instagram users, including some who identify as Trump supporters, expressed strong discomfort. “Trump voter here, but would honestly like to unsee this,” one wrote, pairing their comment with a thumbs-down emoji.

The responses were brutal. Several commenters questioned why Trump Jr. would even think to merge his father’s face with a young actress in such a suggestive pose, let alone share it publicly. Critics called it tasteless and bizarre, with more than a few saying it crossed a line into unsettling territory.

Even those who defended the original American Eagle ad were baffled by Trump Jr.’s choice. “This is not helping,” one user remarked. “It’s just creepy.”

The Meme Came During a Larger Controversy

The background to this whole mess involves American Eagle’s now infamous campaign featuring Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney. The tagline—“Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans”—was quickly accused of being more than just a pun. Critics online slammed the messaging as racially charged, pointing to Sweeney’s appearance and the historic use of “great genes” in promoting ideals of whiteness, thinness, and eugenics.

The outrage escalated fast. Some even likened the ad to modern-day “Nazi propaganda,” warning that the campaign dangerously flirted with supremacist undertones.

In the middle of that firestorm, Trump Jr.’s meme landed like a grenade. And instead of shifting focus or lightening the mood, it deepened the discomfort.

Supporters Jumped In—But So Did the Critics

Some loyal fans tried to defend Trump Jr.’s post, calling it “hilarious” or a “bold troll.” A few leaned into the pun, writing things like, “The genes are strong in this family,” trying to reframe the meme as harmless wordplay.

But the backlash far outweighed the praise. Critics accused Trump Jr. of trivializing a serious controversy—and doing it in the most bizarre way possible. Others suggested that the image hinted at something deeply inappropriate, especially involving family and sexuality. Comments like “why is he thirsting over his dad?” and “this is giving me Freudian vibes” filled the replies.

Even users typically aligned with conservative views called the post “tone-deaf” and “gross.”

A Pattern of Provocation?

This isn’t the first time Donald Trump Jr. has posted content designed to stir up controversy or push buttons. But this instance felt different to many observers. It wasn’t just provocative—it was personal, odd, and for many, simply uncomfortable.

The decision to insert his father’s face into a campaign already being criticized for its racial and cultural insensitivity added another layer of tension. What may have been intended as a joke ended up highlighting just how out of touch Trump Jr. can appear, especially when dipping into pop culture moments that already carry heavy baggage.

Where Things Stand Now

The original American Eagle campaign is still sparking debate, with some defending the brand’s decision to feature Sydney Sweeney and others calling for the ad to be pulled entirely. Meanwhile, Trump Jr.’s meme remains online, continuing to stir reactions from all sides.

But one thing’s clear: his attempt at humor didn’t land. It didn’t diffuse the controversy or shift the spotlight in a clever way—it just made things more uncomfortable. And for many who saw the meme, it wasn’t just a bad joke. It was something worse: creepy, awkward, and completely unnecessary.

Whether Trump Jr. will address the backlash or double down as he often does remains to be seen. But for now, the internet isn’t laughing—it’s cringing.