Every year, Starbucks releases a holiday-themed coffee cup as the season approaches. This year’s cup has a more minimal design. Instead of featuring the usual snowflakes, reindeer or ornaments, this year’s installment is a simple red cup. Already, some people, including Donald Trump, have objected to the cup, saying the coffee company is in the wrong for not explicitly having the word “Christmas” on it.
The New York Times reported that an Internet personality and evangelist named Joshua Feurstein responded to the design by posting, “Starbucks removed Christmas from their cups because they hate Jesus.”
Trump suggested a boycott of Starbucks at a rally, according to Mediaite. He told supporters that he found the design outrageous, despite having a Starbucks franchise in Trump Tower.
“Did you read about Starbucks? No more ‘Merry Christmas’ on Starbucks,” Trump told the audience. “I have one of the most successful Starbucks in Trump Tower. Maybe we should boycott Starbucks. I don’t know. I don’t care. By the way, that’s the end of that lease, but who cares?”
Starbucks responded to the criticism with a post on its website. The post indicated that the design, devoid of any message, encompasses its customers’ stories.
“In the past, we have told stories with our holiday cups designs,” said Jeffrey Fields, Starbucks’ vice president of design and content, in the statement. “This year we wanted to usher in the holidays with a purity of design that welcomes all of our stories.”
Fields added that the simple design depicts the quietness of the season.
“Creating a culture of belonging, inclusion and diversity is one of the core values of Starbucks, and each year during the holidays the company aims to bring customers an experience that inspires the spirit of the season,” the post indicated. “Starbucks will continue to embrace and welcome customers from all backgrounds and religions in our stores around the world.”
