Howard Schultz, who sold 'public trust,' torches Seattle, Washington state on his way out

Name: Howard Schultz, who sold 'public trust,' torches Seattle, Washington state on his way out
Uploaded: 2026-05-27T07:14:38.136Z
Duration: 2 min 7 s
Channel: Howard Schultz

Howard Schultz

1 Video View·May 27, 2026

Former Starbucks CEO and Chairman Howard Schultz, who once sold the NBA’s Seattle Sonics to an out-of-town ownership group and has scarcely been seen in the city since, is moving to Florida and torching state and local leaders as he packs up his moving van.

In a sharply worded new Wall Street Journal opinion piece, Schultz argues the region has become increasingly hostile to the businesses that helped fuel its economic rise.
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Seattleites have great civic pride but are concerned with the direction of the city according to a new poll from the city's Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. This, as one of the big-name residents is leaving town and going scorched earth on his way out. Council Senior Reporter Chris Daniels explains. Outside the once-bustling Starbucks roastery on Capitol Hill, there are more birds than baristas. Now the company's former CEO Howard Schultz, yes the guy who once called the Seattle Sonics a public trust before selling them off to out-of-town buyers, is bolting town too. Writing in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, Seattle has turned hostile to business. Writing, Mayor Katie Wilson has chosen to cast business as a foil rather than a partner and her socialist rhetoric vilifies employers even while she continues to rely on them for revenue. Also referencing the company's recent announcement it will shift hundreds of corporate roles to Tennessee. I really, you know, empathize. But Joe Wynn, the Seattle Metro Chamber's CEO, said his organization's most recent index showed a decline in voter outlook on quality of life, homelessness and crime, but strengths in civic pride. I candidly am very optimistic because I do think that this is a conversation that Seattle should have and needs to have. Wilson also took to High Road saying she wants Starbucks to continue succeeding with shared priorities of addressing homelessness, public safety and affordability and that there is plenty of room for all of us to find common ground. I think there's some valid points from Mr. Schultz. Seattle Councilmember Rob Saka struck a different note. I think policymakers in Seattle and elsewhere should avoid diminishing and trivializing the perspectives of others, including those in the business community. The conversation will continue to percolate if another big employer flies away. In Seattle, Chris Daniels, Como News. Schultz says his foundation will continue to operate here in Washington State. You can read more about the Chamber's survey on our website at comonews.com.