Political

Does Starbucks Support Project 2025?

A claim circulating on social media suggests that Starbucks is backing Project 2025, a controversial initiative by The Heritage Foundation, and that the coffee giant sponsored the Republican National Convention (RNC). This claim has sparked significant debate and confusion among the public.

Social Media Claims

Recently, multiple social media users posted messages suggesting that Starbucks has sponsored Project 2025 and the Heritage Foundation. The claim is spreading virally on both Facebook and X platforms.

Source | Archive

Fact-Check

Starbucks’ Role at the RNC:

Starbucks did not sponser the RNC event. Starbucks partnered with the Milwaukee 2024 Host Committee, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization, to provide free coffee to first responders working at the event. Starbucks spokesperson clarified to USA Today that “Starbucks is providing in-kind support directly to the (Milwaukee) 2024 Host Committee by providing coffee onsite to the first responders who are serving the city during the convention. We are not providing a cash sponsorship of any kind.” (Source).

Starbucks is listed as a partner on the Milwaukee 2024 Host Committee’s website. This committee is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that acts as a bridge between the Republican National Committee, the city of Milwaukee, the state of Wisconsin, and local businesses. It collaborates with the city of Milwaukee to facilitate the Republican National Convention (RNC), handling tasks like signing contracts and securing venues (Source). In contrast, the Republican National Committee, a partisan organization, oversees the event’s direction and selects the Republican presidential nominee.

Moreover, Starbucks noted that it plans to offer similar support to the Chicago 2024 Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention.

Project 2025 and The Heritage Foundation:

Project 2025 is an initiative by The Heritage Foundation focused on implementing conservative policies in the federal government. The Heritage Foundation sponsored the RNC, whereas Starbucks did not participate in this sponsorship. The confusion likely stemmed from Starbucks’ partnership with the Milwaukee Host Committee, which may have been misinterpreted as support for the RNC and its associated projects.

Summary

Starbucks does not support Project 2025 and The Heritage Foundation, contrary to claims circulating on social media. Starbucks partnered with nonpartisan organizations to provide coffee to first responders at the Republican National Convention (RNC), but it did not sponsor the RNC or endorse any political initiatives. Notably, Starbucks also plans to offer similar support to the Democratic National Convention.