Starbucks Isn’t Sponsoring the Republican National Convention: Here’s the Real Story
CLAIM: Starbucks is sponsoring the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
ASSESSMENT: False. Starbucks is not sponsoring the RNC with any cash contributions. Instead, they are providing coffee and beverages to first responders at five RNC venues through a partnership with the Milwaukee 2024 Host Committee, as clarified by a company spokesperson. This partnership is similar to one planned with the Chicago 2024 Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention in August. Both host committees are nonpartisan and nonprofit, acting as liaisons between the national committees and the host cities.
The Facts Behind the Claims
Recently, social media has been abuzz with claims that Starbucks, known for its progressive stance, is sponsoring the Republican National Convention. A post on X (formerly Twitter) stated, “After years of identifying as a progressive employer, Starbucks is now sponsoring the Republican National Convention.” This post garnered around 13,000 likes and over 5,800 shares. Another post with about 6,000 likes simply said, “Starbucks sponsoring the RNC is wild.” These claims led to calls for a boycott, with users tagging their posts with #BoycottStarbucks.
However, these claims are based on misinformation. Jaci Anderson, a spokesperson for Starbucks, confirmed to The Associated Press that Starbucks is not providing any cash sponsorship to the RNC. Instead, they are supplying coffee and other beverages at five venues for first responders working at the convention, including EMTs, firefighters, and the National Guard. This support is through a partnership with the Milwaukee 2024 Host Committee, not the Republican National Committee.
Understanding the Partnerships
The Milwaukee 2024 Host Committee is a nonpartisan entity that serves as a liaison between the city of Milwaukee, the state of Wisconsin, and the Republican National Committee. Their duties include signing contracts, securing venues, and collaborating with local leaders to prepare Milwaukee for the convention. This is different from the Republican National Committee, which is a partisan body organizing and running the convention.
The Federal Election Commission explains that the primary purpose of a host committee is to encourage commerce in the convention city and to project a favorable image of the city to attendees. In contrast, a convention committee represents a political party in organizing the convention to nominate candidates for President and Vice President.
Starbucks’ Broader Community Support
Anderson also revealed that Starbucks has a similar partnership planned with the Chicago 2024 Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention. This partnership, too, will provide coffee and beverages to first responders and volunteers. Starbucks’ involvement in these events is part of their ongoing commitment to the communities where they operate.
“Our support of first responders and volunteers at the conventions is an extension of our ongoing commitment to the communities where we operate — which includes Milwaukee and Chicago,” Anderson stated.
Despite the viral claims on social media, Starbucks is not sponsoring the Republican National Convention. They are providing support to first responders through a nonpartisan partnership with the Milwaukee 2024 Host Committee. Starbucks is similarly involved with the Democratic National Convention, reinforcing their commitment to community support rather than political sponsorship.
