A TikTok video that went viral features a Starbucks barista declining to write Charlie Kirk's name on a drink order. Many supporters have been honoring Kirk by purchasing his favorite drink, a mint majesty tea with two honeys. The video, as reported by Fox News, details the user's husband attempting to order the drink at a Starbucks in Yucaipa, California, where the barista allegedly told him to "pick a different name" because they "don't honor politics here."
Video: Video: Social media
The user then visited the same Starbucks herself, according to the video, and ordered the same beverage, providing Kirk's name. When the barista requested the name, the user said, "Charlie Kirk." "We can't do political names," the barista replied, before stating that the order's total was $3.75. The user then asked whether the name could be handwritten on the cup.
"The sticker won't print," the barista responded. When the user continued asking why the name couldn't be written, the barista offered to write "Charlie." After the user kept asking, the barista then said, "Because it's political," before starting the order. The user ultimately refused the drink.
According to Fox News Digital, Starbucks has confirmed there is no policy against using Kirk's name, and a company spokesperson said that they are "working to understand what took place in this store." Fox News Digital also contacted the TikToker for comment. At a Turning Point conference about a month ago, Kirk had shared that he drinks the tea because "I lose my voice very easily. … I drink like nine of them a day, otherwise I lose my voice." Following this, supporters have been sharing photos of their Starbucks drinks on TikTok, X, and Instagram. Starbucks released a statement on social media stating, "There are no restrictions on customers using Charlie Kirk's name on their order, and we are following up with our team."
Following the incident, a significant uproar on social media ensued, with many people urging a boycott of the coffee chain. The now-viral video received a variety of reactions, including one X user commenting, "That's it!! Boycott Starbucks! The line has been drawn! There is no going back." Another response on X read, "I spend $200 a month at Starbucks! No more, I'm done with a company that dishonors a good man". Another individual noted, "They shouldn't consider it political unless he held a government office/position/seat. If they are only basing it on him being a republican, then all Republicans need to boycott Starbucks".
Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on a Wednesday while speaking at a university event in Utah. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been arrested for allegedly killing Kirk, a conservative activist and an ally of President Donald Trump.
