Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has drawn heat from fellow Republicans over his feud with Disney.
Former President Donald J. Trump earlier this week denounced the governor’s efforts as a “political stunt” and said Mr. DeSantis was overwhelmed by the company.
“Desanctus is being completely destroyed by Disney,” Trump wrote on his media site Truth Social on Tuesday, using the governor’s derogatory nickname. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie also scoffed, suggesting Mr. DeSantis’ remarks about punishing corporations violated the principle of small government.
“I don’t think Ron DeSantis is conservative based on his actions towards Disney,” he said at an event he hosted on Tuesday. news agency semaphore“Where are we going when the government is going to punish you if you express your disagreements in this country? To me, that’s what I always thought liberals did. And now, all of a sudden, I’m joining this with a Republican governor.”
The criticism builds on efforts by Trump and other candidates to undermine the core claim of DeSantis’ nomination claim that he is the Republican most likely to win the general election. reflects. Advisors to Mr. Trump and other potential rivals believe a move like going after Disney would hurt the general election, if not necessarily the Republican primary.
Understanding DeSantis and Disney’s rift
Some Republican strategists said they were confused by DeSantis’ decision to delve into the fight against a company with broad appeal and considerable resources to fight back, saying the move was a major move for the party. He even argued that it risks alienating voters.
DeSantis’ office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The dispute between Mr. DeSantis and Disney, Florida’s largest private employer and corporate taxpayer, began when company officials criticized a bill Mr. DeSantis signed into law earlier this year. The law, which critics called a “don’t say gay” bill, cuts down on education and discussion of gender and sexuality in some elementary school grades.
In response to criticism, Mr. DeSantis moved for greater control of the company through district committees, but company officials quietly found ways to strip the committees of their powers. Mr. DeSantis has since moved to regain control, with everything from a new tax on Disney (which will most likely be passed on to people who use Disney’s parks) to building a state prison nearby. All possibilities have been highlighted.
In a post, Trump suggested the threat could backfire and the company could respond by pulling out of Florida. “Clock!” he wrote. “It would be murder. In the meantime, this is totally unnecessary and a political stunt!”
The former president himself has never hesitated to attack a company he dislikes.
Despite constant criticism from fellow Republicans, former Vice President Mike Pence, who is considering his own campaign, accused DeSantis of the matter in February.
The Wall Street Journal editorial board said Tuesday night criticized the governor It had a feudal arc with Disney, but had bigger issues with Trump’s attacks.
“You may find the former president critical of Disney’s Awakening, but his only political belief is personal gain,” the board wrote.
