Trump Lauds Former Disney Executive Over Rejection of ‘Woke’ Donald Duck

It’s no secret that incoming President Donald Trump holds a strong dislike for The Walt Disney Company, ABC, Bob Iger, and anything tied to the Mouse House. Trump has been vocal in his criticisms of the company, and recently filed a lawsuit against ABC News and veteran anchor George Stephanopoulos. In a surprising resolution, Bob Iger opted to settle the case, agreeing to a $16 million payout—$15 million for a Presidential Library fund and $1 million for legal expenses.

Related: Bob Iger and ABC Under Attack: New Trump Administration Signals Tensions

The former President recently turned his attention to The Walt Disney Company, a recurring subject of his critique, while publicly praising former Marvel Entertainment chairman Ike Perlmutter.

During a speaking event at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump applauded Perlmutter for distancing himself from Disney, highlighting the former executive’s disdain for the company’s evolving creative direction.

“The guy went from stone-cold broke to owning Disney. Then he got out of Disney because they went woke. He didn’t want woke Donald Duck, right?” 

Although Trump’s assertion about Perlmutter “owning Disney” is an exaggeration, his comments reignited interest in Perlmutter’s tenure at Marvel and his eventual fallout with Disney leadership.

Perlmutter’s Marvel Legacy

Ike Perlmutter played a pivotal role in revitalizing Marvel during its darkest financial days in the 1990s. By the time Disney acquired Marvel in 2009 for $4 billion, Perlmutter had become a key figure in its turnaround, serving as the CEO of Marvel Entertainment.

Known for his relentless cost-cutting measures and no-nonsense leadership style, he helped steer Marvel into profitability. However, his approach often sparked controversy.

Perlmutter frequently clashed with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, particularly over creative decisions involving representation and diversity in blockbuster films like Black Panther (2018) and Captain Marvel (2019). Perlmutter’s criticism of Disney’s direction has been widely documented, with reports suggesting he viewed the company’s push for diversity as a potential threat to profitability.

The growing tension eventually led Disney to restructure Marvel in 2015, giving Feige direct control over Marvel Studios and diminishing Perlmutter’s influence.

Related: Sebastian Stan Teases Future as Captain America in the MCU

Exit During Disney’s Restructuring

In 2023, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced sweeping cost-cutting measures to address the company’s financial challenges, leading to the elimination of 7,000 jobs as part of a $5.5 billion budget reduction. Perlmutter was among those affected, formally ending his association with Disney.

Although Perlmutter did not leave voluntarily, his departure aligned with a broader narrative about Disney’s evolving priorities.

The former Marvel chairman subsequently sold his remaining Disney shares in 2024, severing all ties with the company. Perlmutter had been a key player in “bully” billionaire Nelson Peltz’s attempt to take control of Disney’s Board of Directors. That attempted coup failed miserably, and after that, Perlmutter sold all of his stock.

Trump and Disney: A Fraught History

Trump’s latest remarks are part of a long-standing feud with Disney and its leadership. The former president’s criticisms extend beyond creative decisions, with legal battles involving Disney-owned ABC News and a broader disdain for what he perceives as the company’s political leanings. His praise of Perlmutter serves as a vehicle to critique Disney’s current leadership under Iger, aligning with conservative frustrations over perceived corporate activism.

As the debate over Disney’s direction rages on, Trump’s comments reflect the growing intersection of entertainment and politics. The former president’s remarks may fuel further polarization, but they also highlight the complexities of leading a company as iconic and influential as Disney.

What do you think of Ike Perlmutter’s tenure at Marvel and his departure from Disney? Do you agree with Trump’s praise or side with Disney’s current approach? Share your thoughts in the comments below!