The Walt Disney Company’s feud with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has made headlines for months, and will likely go down as one of the most notable moments in Disney’s (and corporate America’s) history. The battle began with former Disney CEO Bob Chapek speaking out against Governor DeSantis’s “Don’t Say Gay” controversy and escalated into a bitter court battle with both sides flinging lawsuits and countersuits at each other. During this time, spectators have firmly placed themselves on either side of the battle, some siding with the Florida Governor and others with the Walt Disney Company.
The battle is certainly significant. A large corporation has taken on the State of Florida on the grounds that its governor’s actions violated their right to free speech. It’s one that is unprecedented and will go down in books as one of the most surprising instances of conflict—especially considering the special status the Walt Disney World Resort enjoyed in Florida for so many decades.
One question that can arise—and perhaps has arisen already—for many Americans is the question of Disney’s patriotism. Suing the governor of a state is not a small action. However, it appears that despite everything that has happened, many still hold that the Walt Disney Company is one of the most patriotic American brands.
Per the latest report from MarketWatch, according to the Most Patriotic Brands in America Survey, Jeep, owned by corporation Stellanis, still ranks first as the most patriotic brand in America—unsurprising considering its 80-plus year history and deep ties to the American military. This is the 22nd consecutive year that the company has earned this spot. However, Disney isn’t far behind.
Disney is considered the second most patriotic brand in America, per the survey conducted by research company Brand Keys. It’s the second consecutive year that Disney has earned the spot. The survey comprised 6,150 participants aged 18 to 65 and had a mix of subjects “balanced for gender and political affiliation.”
While some may not be surprised by this turn of events, Disney’s recent actions could have put this eventuality under question. Aside from the lawsuits, Disney also scrapped its Lake Nona campus plans (worth almost $1 billion).
However, Brand Keys’s president Robert Passikoff wasn’t surprised by Disney placing second; recall the Walt Disney Co.’s long-held regard as an American entertainment company and theme park entity. “I would suggest that values that are inherent within a brand’s DNA don’t just go away because some politician is yammering about them,” Passikoff said, adding, “I think it has to do with a sense of freedom, the ability to go where no man has gone before.”
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