Will it end in tears? Experts warn of perils of celebrity links to politicians

It is one of the questionable perks of Donald Trump's approach to communication that the slightly icky moment of connection between the world of Maga and a young Hollywood star was broadcast live.

- Daniel Boffey

It is one of the questionable perks of Donald Trump's approach to communication that the slightly icky moment of connection between the world of Maga and a young Hollywood star was broadcast live. As the US president boarded Air Force One, a reporter asked whether he had any thoughts on Sydney Sweeney, a "very hot actress right now", being a registered Republican.

He replied: "She's a registered Republican? Ooh, now I love her ad. You'd be surprised at how many people are Republicans. But I'm glad you told me that. If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic."

Sweeney gained prominence for her roles in HBO's Euphoria and The White Lotus. It has, however, been the 27-year-old's "more is best" approach to commercial tie-ups and a tendency for the social media algorithms to promote her that has made her inescapable.

She is everywhere, smiling with a dab of rejuvenating cream on her face, straining to inject cool into clog-shaped loafers or taking selfies to promote Samsung phones.