Vanity Fair: Ron DeSantis Claims His Controversial Disney Crusade as a Patriot's Rescue of America

By Bess Levin

Does anyone remember the outrageous conflict between Ron DeSantis and Disney? Let's jog your memory a bit: DeSantis, the Governor of Florida, was severely criticized by Disney for his controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law last year. This led to DeSantis terminating Disney’s self-governing status, which resulted in the company being obligated to pay more taxes among other costs. It didn’t stop there- the Governor even appointed his preferred candidates to Disney’s new oversight board, notably including an individual who was accused of teaching a fictitious history class, asserting that Irish immigrants were subjected to enslavement in America. DeSantis even proposed a series of ridiculous sanctions against the company, including constructing a prison complex adjacent to the theme park in Florida.

Disney, understandably exhausted with his tyranny, filed a lawsuit against DeSantis and his administration, claiming it was being targeted by the government for expressing an unpopular political perspective. Although the decision on the dispute is still awaited, Governor DeSantis and presumed 2024 presidential competitor, recently claimed in an interview that not only he emerged victorious in his fight with Disney but also that his counterattacks essentially rescued America.

Speaking with the president and CEO of Family Leader, Bob Vander Plaats, DeSantis stated, “We challenged Disney after a significant number of Republicans from the old guard asserted that we essentially had to comply with Disney's demands. Despite everything, we fought back and emerged victorious in the battle against Disney.” He further argued: “Our refusal to succumb to Disney has had far-reaching effects across the nation. There are a few CEOs who may not be entirely in favor of this narrative, but find it easier to follow this narrative …. Currently, they may take a step back, not wanting to end up like Disney. There’s a possibility of people opposing this from the right now. So, I believe we were instrumental in reshaping business and diverting America from the path it was on.