‘Seattle can’t survive this’: Critics hammer socialist mayor after Starbucks reversal

Split image of former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson.(Getty Images)

Others framed Wilson’s walk back as a sign Seattle’s progressive leaders are beginning to recognize the economic stakes surrounding major employers like Starbucks.

“Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson walks back Starbucks boycott asNashvilleexpansion raises the stakes,” conservative commentator Jason Rantz wrote on X.

Conservative radio host Ari Hoffman blasted Seattle leadersin a post on X, writing that the city is “once again a national embarrassment.”

“This time, thanks to Socialist Mayor Katie Wilson telling everyone to boycott Starbucks the day she gets elected, then Starbucks announces they are leaving, and when asked about capital flight, she says ‘bye’ and giggles,” Hoffman wrote.

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SEATTLE MAYOR LAUGHS OFF MILLIONAIRES LEAVING WASHINGTON STATE OVER PROGRESSIVE TAXES, WAVES ‘BYE’

AnotherX user mockedWilson’s reversal, writing: “Bahahahaha.I was mocked when I told everyone insiders were updating me corporate was planning on leaving if she was elected.Her arrogance and disdain just made them move quicker.”

The user, a conservative account focused on the Pacific Northwest, added: “Again, Starbucks will be out of Seattle for good by the end of 2026.Yes.”

Pollster Scott Rasmussen also weighed in on X, arguing Wilson’s comments reflect broader voter concerns over whether high taxes and anti-business rhetoric are driving wealthy residents and investment out of blue states.

Rasmussen pointed to polling showing 61% of voters believe it is bad for a state when wealthy residents leave for lower-tax states.

Starbucks unveiled plans for a massive corporate expansion in Nashville, Tenn., just as Democrats in Washington state enacted a controversial “millionaires tax.”

Critics warn the tax, of which similar version have been enacted and proposed in other blue states, could accelerate the flight of jobs, investment and wealthy residents from Washington.

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Seattle leaders are grappling with growing concerns over the city’s business climate as Starbucks expands operations outside its hometown.(Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Rock’n’Roll Marathon)

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The measure was signed into law by Democratic Gov.Bob Ferguson in March and was championed by progressives.Conservatives and business groups fiercely opposed the proposal, warning it could make Washington less competitive as companies increasingly grow in lower-tax Republican-led states.

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As Wilson attempts to soften her rhetoric toward one of Seattle’s most recognizable companies, critics warn the controversy could become a broader cautionary tale for blue states struggling to balance progressive politics with economic growth.