DeSantis vs. Disney: Has the governor gone too far?

He told Disney 'there's a new sheriff in town,' but is he flying in the face of limited-government Republicanism?

Cinderella's castle at Walt Disney World.
(Image credit: AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has been at war with the Walt Disney Company ever since the entertainment conglomerate criticized the governor's controversial so-called "Don't Say Gay" legislation. One year later, the governor initially claimed a huge win in his crusade, signing legislation that would have given him a wide swath of powers over the company's iconic Orlando theme park, Walt Disney World.

The bill, The Associated Press said, gave DeSantis control of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which serves as the governing jurisdiction and tax district for the Walt Disney World Resort complex. The AP noted that the new law requires DeSantis to "appoint a five-member board to oversee the government services that the Disney district provides." Board members were previously named through Disney entities.

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

 Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.