As many Disney fans remember, April 26, 2023, was a big day for Disney. It was the day that Disney took a step they may have never thought about in the past. On April 26, Disney filed a lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Walt Disney World Resort has been a huge part of Florida’s economy for more than five decades, and has always worked in relative harmony with the state government. That was until the governor got mad that Disney CEO Bob Chapek denounced a controversial bill that the governor had championed.
From the beginning, Disney has accused Governor DeSantis of retaliating against them for speaking out against Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Bill. Current Disney CEO Bob Iger even addressed the company’s Florida issues during an earnings call, saying it was “plainly a matter of retaliation.” The governor himself has repeatedly said that he did not think about going after Disney until after Chapek spoke out. DeSantis has said it at rallies, in televised interviews, and even in his new book.
That’s why many found it highly ironic when DeSantis tweeted that he wants to “end the weaponization of government” if he becomes President.
As President, I will end the weaponization of government, replace the FBI Director, and ensure a single standard of justice for all Americans.
While I’ve seen reports, I have not read the indictment. I do, though, believe we need to enact reforms so that Americans have the right to remove cases from Washington, DC to their home districts.
Washington, DC is a “swamp” and it is unfair to have to stand trial before a jury that is reflective of the swamp mentality.
One of the reasons our country is in decline is the politicization of the rule of law. No more excuses—I will end the weaponization of the federal government.
As President, I will end the weaponization of government, replace the FBI Director, and ensure a single standard of justice for all Americans.
While I’ve seen reports, I have not read the indictment. I do, though, believe we need to enact reforms so that Americans have the right…
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) August 1, 2023
DeSantis was quickly called out by many, including political strategist Ana Navarro-Cárdenas, who has worked under Republicans Jeb Bush and John McCain.
Dude, just shut up.
You’ve done nothing but weaponize Florida’s government against Disney, drag-shows and history.
Sit this one out you disgusting hypocrite. Really.
Dude, just shut up.
You’ve done nothing but weaponize Florida’s government against Disney, drag-shows and history.
Sit this one out you disgusting hypocrite. Really. https://t.co/PWVqVkSRjx— Ana Navarro-Cárdenas (@ananavarro) August 1, 2023
In late June, Governor DeSantis filed a motion, asking a judge to dismiss Disney’s lawsuit against him. DeSantis’ legal team claimed that the governor had “legislative immunity” and could not be sued by Disney. Disney has recently responded to that lawsuit, opposing DeSantis’ motion. Disney said that DeSantis is trying to “evade responsibility” for creating laws that have essentially punished Disney for exercising its right to free speech.
Democrats are not the only people calling DeSantis out for the actions that he has taken against Disney. The Florida governor has also been taken to task by other Presidential hopefuls, including former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, and former President Donald Trump.
DeSantis was even challenged by FOX host Megyn Kelly, who asked why Disney could not oppose DeSantis “without being punished”. DeSantis tried to say that he had simply taken away a special privilege, but Kelly pushed back, saying DeSantis was “quick to use the power of the state” against companies that he did not like.
Since it filed the initial lawsuit, Disney has amended it to include public statements made by DeSantis.
