Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is ramping up his efforts to exert control over Walt Disney World by introducing new legislation aimed at voiding the last-minute agreement Disney made with Reedy Creek, which oversees the district where the theme park is located (AP News). The Governor is suggesting building a new prison near Disney World and instituting new regulations, including mandatory inspections (Business Insider).
This move is part of DeSantis’ attempts to assert state oversight over Disney World (DeSantis & allies ramp up Disney fight as more Republicans criticize his tactics, CNBC). However, critics including former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who is rumored to be a potential GOP presidential candidate, have slammed DeSantis’ handling of the situation (Politico).
DeSantis’ feud with Disney is escalating, and his opponents see it as a potential weakness in his bid for the White House (Republicans hit DeSantis over Disney feud, The New York Times). Even his former ally, former President Donald Trump, has criticized his tactics, saying the governor is getting “absolutely destroyed by Disney” (CNBC).
The battle appears to be heading to court, as lawyers for the board DeSantis appointed to oversee the district have been misstating the facts on the Disney World tax appraisal, further escalating the situation (Gov. Ron DeSantis misstates facts on Disney World tax appraisal, NBC 6 South Florida). The newly appointed board is outlining an aggressive plan to make changes to the district and exert more control over Disney World (DeSantis-appointed Disney board outlines aggressive changes, NBC News).
Overall, the situation between Ron DeSantis and Disney World continues to escalate, with both sides digging in their heels and refusing to back down. It remains to be seen who will come out on top in this conflict, and what tactics each side will use next.
