Sydney Sweeney is showing her support for her younger brother and all U.S. service members following his military deployment overseas. The “Euphoria” star took to Instagram this week to share a heartfelt message alongside a screenshot of a video call with her brother Trent, who serves in the United States Air Force.
“Receiving calls from my bro always make me happy when he’s deployed,” the 28-year-old actress wrote on her Instagram Stories. “Thinking of all our boys and girls overseas and sending my love! Thank you for your service :)”. The post quickly resonated with her 26 million followers, drawing both praise and unexpected backlash.
Trent Sweeney, 25, is the actress’s only sibling. He began his military career in April 2020, leaving for basic training during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, Sydney shared childhood photos with a message: “My little bro leaves for basic training tomorrow. Wishing you luck, bud. When the going gets tough, just remember your sister is tougher than you”.
Trent serves in an Air Force munitions squadron and was promoted to staff sergeant in August 2025. He has been deployed overseas several times throughout his career, previously serving in South Korea. While his current deployment comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, it remains unclear whether he is directly involved in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The Sweeney siblings were raised in a small lakeside community near Spokane, Washington, far from the Hollywood spotlight. Their mother worked as a criminal defense attorney, while their father was employed in the hospitality industry. When Sydney decided to pursue acting, the family relocated to Los Angeles, facing significant financial strain.
For nine months, the family of four lived in a single one-bedroom hotel room at a Holiday Inn after their parents filed for bankruptcy . “I was 16, not the year when you want to be living in a hotel, sharing a bed with your mom,” Sydney recalled. Despite the challenges, she has remained close to her family, paying off her mother’s mortgage as a gesture of gratitude.
Sweeney’s post sparked immediate debate across social media. While many praised her for supporting the troops, others questioned the timing and intent behind the message . Some users falsely claimed the photo was staged, while others directed criticism at the actress for her registered Republican status.
Sweeney has consistently attempted to remain apolitical throughout her career. In a January interview with Cosmopolitan, she addressed the scrutiny: “I’ve never been here to talk about politics. I’ve always been here to make art, so this is just not a conversation I want to be at the forefront of” . She added, “I’m not a political person. I’m in the arts. I’m not here to speak on politics. That’s not an area I’ve ever even imagined getting into”.
Despite the controversy, Sweeney has not responded to the backlash, choosing instead to focus on her family and her upcoming projects, including the third season of “Euphoria,” which premieres April 12 .
