Disney vs. DeSantis: Clash Between Politician and Disney as $1 Billion Project Crumbles
The Walt Disney Co. has escalated its conflict with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis by canceling plans for a new $1 billion campus in Orlando. The abandoned project, which would have brought 2,000 jobs to the state, marks the culmination of a series of disputes between Disney and the governor, ranging from legislative battles to legal confrontations.
The decision comes amidst reports that Governor DeSantis intends to formally announce his anticipated presidential campaign. As he faces criticism from former President Donald Trump, Disney’s move adds fuel to the ongoing feud.
The scrapped campus would have served as a digital technology, finance, and product development hub, with an average salary of $120,000. Politicians would typically tout such a significant investment as evidence of their influence and commitment to home-state development.
BREAKING: Disney officially cancels the $1 billion Lake Nona project.https://t.co/widwam9dfE pic.twitter.com/LYlqMxKPHk
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) May 18, 2023
Citing “changing business conditions,” Disney Chairman of Parks, Experiences, and Products Division, Josh D’Amaro, explained in a memo to employees that new leadership and evolving circumstances led to the abandonment of the project. However, he expressed optimism about the future of Walt Disney World, highlighting plans to invest $17 billion and create 13,000 jobs over the next decade.
Disney scraps a major development project in Florida. It's clear DeSantis is losing the fight he picked. (via MaddowBlog) https://t.co/S0ljs4Zj9c
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 19, 2023
Governor DeSantis’s office has yet to comment on Disney’s announcement, but the company’s legal battles with the governor have been ongoing. Disney filed a First Amendment lawsuit against DeSantis and other officials last month, alleging infringement on free speech rights and interference with its business operations. The feud escalated further when the state legislature nullified a 30-year development agreement around Orlando, prompting Disney to expand its lawsuit.
DeSantis argues that no company should receive special treatment, using the clashes with Disney to underscore his stance on culture war issues. The governor has also faced criticism for targeting Disney’s monorail system, subjecting it to state inspections.
This latest chapter in the Disney-DeSantis clash occurs against the backdrop of newspaper profiles highlighting longtime Disney CEO Bob Iger’s role in the conflict. As tensions persist, the fallout between the entertainment giant and the governor is likely to have broader implications for their respective interests and political ambitions.
The Rise of Electric Vehicles
-
Justin Trudeau Calls for Answers in the Hardeep Singh Nijjar Case Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has issued a...
-
Vivek Ramaswamy Unveils Bold Reform Agenda for 2024 Elections Indian American entrepreneur and Republican presidential aspirant Vivek Ramaswamy has...
-
House Republicans Launch Formal Impeachment Inquiry into President Biden The US House of Representatives has announced the initiation of...
-
Tensions Rise as the U.S. Takes Action Against Violations of Sanctions and International Law in the Gulf The United...
-
Concerns Arise Over Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s Health and Fitness to Lead Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s recent...
-
Former President Trump’s Legal Team Addresses Criminal Charges and Trials In response to the mounting criminal charges and upcoming...
-
Exploring Factors Behind President Biden’s Approval Ratings Polling data reveals that President Joe Biden’s approval ratings have encountered challenges,...
-
The U.S. President assures support and aid as island grapples with Deadly wildfires and recovery challenges US President Joe...
-
Tragedy unfolds as FBI confronts man over alleged threats against President Biden An incident unfolding on Wednesday shocked the...
-
Protecting the Process in Trump’s January 6 Case In the federal courthouse of Washington, DC, security measures surrounding the...
-
A New York Times/Siena College poll reveals surprising results A recent New York Times/Siena College poll reveals an intriguing...
-
Ron DeSantis Defends Florida’s New Slavery Curriculum Ron DeSantis, the Governor of Florida, recently defended introducing new education standards...