Conservative social media activist Robby Starbuck is forming a lobbying group to push for "long-term corporate oversight" of company diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. He's already successfully pressured major corporations like Walmart, Lowe's, and Harley-Davidson to alter their DEI efforts.
Starbuck has received a substantial funding offer but rejected it due to conditions that would compromise his independence and journalistic integrity. He intends to maintain his own standards despite the pressure to manipulate his messaging or target selection.
Starbuck's campaigns begin with direct messages to CEOs on LinkedIn. He has secured nondisclosure agreements allowing for candid conversations. His efforts have impacted over a dozen companies with a combined market value exceeding $2 trillion, amplified by figures such as Elon Musk and prominent right-wing personalities.
While he's advised some agency heads on complying with White House directives to identify DEI "worst offenders," Starbuck will not join the administration. He expressed disagreements with specific policies, including the fast-tracking of the bird flu vaccine and the administration's approach to free speech and censorship.
Starbuck aims for "corporate neutrality," not to shift Fortune 500 companies to the right wing, but to prevent the formation of parallel "blue" and "red" economies, believing this would harm the country's economy.