The Florida governor's fight with Disney has been ongoing for months, with each side taking shots at the other. But as the battle intensifies, it has become a political liability for DeSantis, who can't afford to back down.
At the heart of the dispute is DeSantis' desire to seize some control of the company's operations in Florida, specifically in regards to COVID-19 safety protocols. Disney has pushed back against these efforts, leading to a public war of words between the governor and the company.
Now, a new board of directors hand-picked by DeSantis has proposed a plan that would bring low-income housing next to the park and increase taxes. This move has further strained relations between the governor and Disney, as the company has publicly opposed the plan.
As DeSantis' battle with Disney continues, his potential rivals for the White House are taking notice. Many see the conflict as a sign of the governor's willingness to take on powerful corporations, a trait that could serve him well in a future presidential run.
Meanwhile, the new supervisors leading Disney World's revamped governing body claim they had good intentions about collaborating with the company. However, their efforts have been met with resistance from both DeSantis and Disney.
DeSantis has been particularly critical of Disney's recent maneuvers to thwart his control efforts. In a scathing statement, the governor accused the company of putting profits ahead of people and endangering the health of Floridians.
The first round of the "Florida and Gov. Ron DeSantis v. The Walt Disney Company" fight, held last spring, ended in a clear victory for the governor. However, Disney has not backed down and continues to fight against DeSantis' attempts to gain control.
Despite the ongoing battle, DeSantis has not announced whether he will run for president in 2024. But should he decide to run, there is a campaign slogan that would suit him well: "Taking on powerful corporations for the people."
The board brought in by DeSantis to oversee the governance of Walt Disney World has revealed that they have found a new agreement that will benefit both parties. However, it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to end the ongoing conflict.
The "Don't Say Gay" law in Florida has also played a role in the conflict between DeSantis and Disney. The law has sparked one of the nation's worst beefs, with Disney opposing the legislation and DeSantis defending it.
In the end, the battle between DeSantis and Disney World may come down to who blinks first. Both sides have dug in their heels, and it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached.