Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is a popular figure among GOP voters and is considered a strong contender for the 2024 presidential nomination. He is known for his uncompromising political style, which is similar to that of former President Donald Trump.
However, DeSantis is facing criticism from some members of his party for his handling of a year-long dispute with Disney. This includes former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.
Disney filed a lawsuit against Governor DeSantis and other Florida officials on April 26, alleging that they are engaging in a vindictive campaign against the company in response to a disagreement over a bill.
Hey @Disney, my home state will happily accept your 70,000+ jobs if you want to leave Florida.
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) April 26, 2023
We’ve got great weather, great people, and it’s always a great day in South Carolina!
SC’s not woke, but we’re not sanctimonious about it either. pic.twitter.com/uf1PWQjGc5
Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley discussed the ongoing conflict between DeSantis and Disney on Fox News’ “America Reports” on Wednesday. She highlighted her own success in reducing unemployment rates and forming business partnerships during her time as governor. Haley also stated that her state is against woke culture, but would still welcome the jobs and revenue that Disney could bring.
Haley shared a clip of her interview on Twitter and commented that despite not being “woke,” South Carolina is also not sanctimonious. She then directly addressed Disney and highlighted the state’s attractive features, such as its great weather and friendly people.
Mickey Haley! pic.twitter.com/NpVXgpYIxZ
— Never Back Down (@NvrBackDown24) April 26, 2023
Former President Donald Trump has criticized DeSantis for his dispute with Disney, suggesting that the company may suspend its investments in Florida or even sell off its properties. Trump described the conflict as a political stunt in a tweet before the lawsuit was filed.
Meanwhile, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie expressed doubts about DeSantis’s ability to handle foreign leaders like Putin or Xi if he cannot handle the conflict with Disney’s CEO. Christie also stated that DeSantis’s actions towards the company are not in line with conservative values.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, 64% of Americans believe that DeSantis is targeting Disney for exercising its First Amendment rights. However, 64% of Republicans support DeSantis’s decision to roll back the company’s special privileges.
