Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to out-Trump Donald Trump.
He's made the core of his campaign. so-called war on woke a campaign against companies and politicians who embrace inclusiveness
The governor, a candidate for the Republican nomination for president in 2024, has held himself as the keeper of traditional American values.
That has included taking a stand against companies that support LGBTQ+ issues and making it harder, if not impossible, to discuss the unpleasant part of America's racial history in Florida's schools.
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DeSantis, however, has not taken on all such companies equally. Walmart (WMT) -), for example, sells both Pride merchandise and some rather graphic sex toys in its stores but has never faced pushback from the governor. Starbucks (SBUX) -) has also been very public in its support of LGBTQ+ issues and sells Pride merchandise in its stores, but DeSantis has left the coffee-bar giant alone as well.
Walt Disney (DIS) -), Florida's largest tourism driver, has been a target of the governor since the company's former CEO, Bob Chapek, publicly spoke out against DeSantis's so-called Don't Say Gay legislation. Once that happened, Disney became woke Public Enemy No. 1.
That's not just the governor disagreeing with Disney's stance on his legislative agenda, DeSantis has openly made some very bold claims about the owner of Disney World.
DeSantis Speaks and Iger Answers
At a recent campaign stop in Nevada, DeSantis reiterated his claim that Disney was “supporting the sexualization of minors.”
“It’s been very disappointing to watch this particular company, what they’ve done by advocating things like the sexualization of children," he said.
Iger was presented with that claim very directly, with a similar DeSantis quote shared with him during a CNBC interview with David Faber.
“We’ve put the company on a pedestal but they’ve really embraced the idea of getting the sexualized content in the program line that I’m not willing to cross.”
I mean, that’s what he said. I quoted DeSantis there.
Iger was clear in his response.
"I don’t really want to engage in the specifics except to say that it’s not our goal to be involved in a culture war," Iger responded. "Our goal is to continue to tell wonderful stories and have a positive, positive impact on the world. You know, we are a preeminent entertainer in the world. And we’re proud of our track record there."
The CEO, whose contract Disney recently extended through 2026, also was very blunt on the sexualization claims.
"The notion that Disney is in any way sexualizing children quite frankly is preposterous and inaccurate," he added.
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Iger Will Be Around Through at Least 2026
When Iger took the Disney CEO's post for the second time, in November 2022, he signed a two-year contract. At the time, it was made clear that he was coming in to right the ship and help identify a long-term successor.
The Disney board has recognized that forcing a good CEO to leave on an arbitrary timetable makes no sense. So it has extended Iger's contract through the end of 2026.
“Bob has once again set Disney on the right strategic path for ongoing value creation, and to ensure the successful completion of this transformation while also allowing ample time to position a new CEO for long-term success, the board determined it is in the best interest of shareholders to extend his tenure, and he has agreed to our request to remain chief executive officer through the end of 2026,” Chairman Mark Parker said in a news release.
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