DeSantis vs. Disney: The Shocking Truth Behind the Epic Clash

Photo byPhoto 39148103 / Disney Florida © Calvin L. Leake | Dreamstime.com

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is waging an explosive war with Florida's largest employer, The Walt Disney Company.

Disney CEO Bob Iger said DeSantis' moves are "anti-business" and "anti-Florida." He doesn't agree with DeSantis' plan to punish the corporation for having an opinion about Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill.

While DeSantis is seemingly against the First Amendment, many believe he's going too far in his war on businesses that dare to speak against his policies. On the other hand, many support DeSantis' decision and believe that corporations should stay away from having public opinions and exercising their First Amendment rights.

The emperor has no clothes

DeSantis spearheaded an initiative to deny Disney the comprehensive control over land use it had enjoyed for over 50 years in a 39-mile region surrounding its Florida resort.

The board in charge of the district would be chosen by DeSantis rather than Disney under the new Florida law. However, Disney reached a public agreement with the departing board that would keep the company in charge of the district and grant it even more power.

Republicans have made Disney a favorite target, criticizing the company's operations in China, its support for LGBTQ representation, and its defiance of Florida's gender laws. Disney is becoming a symbol of "free will" that Republican leadership can't tolerate anymore.

Could DeSantis really run the country?

DeSantis is fighting Disney as he lags behind former President Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican nomination, based on the latest survey.

If the Disney dispute continues, it could challenge DeSantis' image as a proficient executive who appeals to Trump backers and Republican voters, says Todd Belt, director of the Political Management program of George Washington University.

"His inability to deal with this Disney issue undercuts both of those particular constituencies," Belt said. "If it looks like he's not good at governing, then this really opens him up to criticism, especially from his biggest critic, who is going to be Donald Trump."

What do you think about DeSantis' ability to take care of Disney?

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