The Disney vs. DeSantis saga has carried on for many months now. What began in the spring of 2022 has carried on through to the summer of 2023 with multiple escalations and punches (read: lawsuits, clever maneuvers, and significantly impactful business decisions). Most recently, Disney demonstrated in no uncertain terms that they were not bluffing about pulling investments out of the Sunshine State if Florida Governor Ron DeSantis continues to make operating within the state more challenging. Disney had made it clear they had $17 billion worth of investments planned for the state, although in a recent email to Cast Members, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro hedged bets a little, saying, “I hope we’re able to [take them forward].”
In the past, many GOP presidential hopefuls, fellow politicians, journalists, and analysts have spoken out against DeSantis, calling him out for how he’s handled the Disney feud. With the recent escalation of the issue, more and more GOP politicians and, in particular senators are sharing their concerns about whether this properly reflects the Republican party’s reputation as a pro-business party focused on economic growth and job creation.
The Hill reported that Sen. Rick Scott, who served as Florida’s governor from 2011 to 2019, says it’s time for “cooler heads to prevail.” The senator noted that Disney is a significant employer that draws in huge numbers of tourists, and the company greatly boosts the state economy.
“This is the biggest or second-biggest employer in the state. Half the tourism that comes to our state comes to visit Disney. It’s a reason people come to our state. After they come there, people move there. So I think cooler heads need to prevail. My view is we have to do everything to help our businesses grow,” Scott said in an interview.
Sen. Marco Rubio also spoke out about this, stating that it was “problematic,” if state decisions towards businesses appeared too politically driven.
“I think where it gets problematic in the eyes of some people is when you start creating the idea — and I’m not saying we’re there yet as a state — but the idea that somehow if you run crossways with us politically, whoever’s in charge, then you may wind up in the crosshairs of the legislature for political purposes to make a statement at you,” he said.
Senator Rubio also spoke out previously about the gas crisis in Florida and the lack of proper procedure to handle it on the part of government officials.
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