Duffy faces backlash over remarks about Sweeney's body

Sean Duffy, the current Transportation Secretary, is facing harsh backlash over past comments about actress Sydney Sweeney. The remarks were made during an episode of his podcast «From the Kitchen Table: The Duffys,» which he co-hosted with his wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy.

In the resurfaced clip, Duffy discussed whether the actress could «save America from going woke». At the time, Sweeney had recently hosted a popular comedy show, where she joked about her public image, saying, «I feel like people only see me as the girl on TV who screams, cries, and has s--. Sometimes it»s all three at the same time.«

In response, Duffy, seated next to his wife, told viewers, «I»m gonna give you my take on Sydney Sweeney«s b------.» He then added, «If we»re honest, men appreciate women, and men that appreciate women are not toxic. God made us a certain way to appreciate and want to mate with a woman, and women are made the same way to want to be with a man, and I think Sydney Sweeney is just a reminder that men are still men. I«m sorry, we are.»

His wife responded, «And women are still women,» before Duffy concluded, «And that»s okay.«

Duffy also declared, «Sydney Sweeney»s b---- make us want to reproduce« and »Sydney Sweeney«s b---- are gonna save America.» These resurfaced comments have left many social media users feeling uncomfortable.

One person wrote, «Gross! What a sicko!» while another suggested, «His wife is still cringing so hard. Poor woman.» A user commented, «How disgusting are this Administration»s cabinet members? This guy is a moron of the highest order,« and another noted, »This is so disgusting. I«m sorry; the men in the room … losers.» A further commentator added, «That»s not appreciation, it«s objectification.»

The couple«s podcast ended in October 2024, two months before Duffy was sworn in as Transportation Secretary. Meanwhile, Sweeney, who has previously been accused of supporting right-wing politics, has become a focus for many Republicans, including Texas Senator Ted Cruz.

Cruz had previously reposted a photo of Sweeney lying on her stomach, half-nude, writing, «Wow. Now the crazy Left has come out against beautiful women. I»m sure that will poll well...« This came after Sweeney was criticized for appearing in an ad for a clothing brand»s jeans, with some labeling it «n--- propaganda.» In the ad, Sweeney said, «Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color,» adding, «My jeans are blue.»

Former President Trump also weighed in, branding the ad the «HOTTEST ad out there.» After weeks of silence, Sweeney finally responded to the backlash in an interview, saying, «I was honestly surprised by the reaction.» She added, «I did it because I love the jeans and love the brand. I don»t support the views some people chose to connect to the campaign. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that just aren«t true.»

«Anyone who knows me knows that I»m always trying to bring people together,« Sweeney said at the time. »I«m against hate and divisiveness...»