In a world where politicians often fight to win big employers and keep them happy, it’s both unique and odd for a sitting Republican governor to go to war with a business crucial to his state’s economic well-being … on the eve of a potential presidential campaign. The feud between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Walt Disney Co. took a strange turn last week when DeSantis mused about putting a prison near the company’s Orlando-area theme park complex to punish it for its allegedly “woke” policies.
It was the latest volley in a battle that goes back to the company’s criticizing DeSantis’ Parental Rights in Education Bill, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay Bill” by opponents. The rhetorical back-and-forth has become a political sideshow, with neither side wanting to give an inch. From attracting visitors to filling tax coffers, it’s hard to overstate Disney’s impact on the Florida economy — which is a centerpiece of DeSantis’ political story. CONTINUED
Dante Chinni, NBC News
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