Disneyland Officially Severs Ties With America’s Donald Trump
After a weekend of viral commentary over a sculpture that many said bore a troubling resemblance to Donald Trump, Disney has quietly returned the Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse weather vane to its 70th Anniversary display—this time, with a noticeable adjustment.
The revised topper is back in place atop the Sleeping Beauty Castle-themed installation located in the esplanade between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. However, the version guests are seeing today no longer features the exaggerated swoop of hair that made the previous figure look far more like the 45th president than the late Walt Disney.
Matt Desmond shared the update on X, “They fixed Walt in the Disneyland esplanade!”
They fixed Walt in the Disneyland esplanade! https://t.co/tkHnKybBjx pic.twitter.com/myWcLEB4Af
— Matt Desmond (@DisneyScoopGuy) May 13, 2025
The Change: Small but Significant
There was no fanfare, no official release—just a visual correction that speaks volumes. The stylized figure’s hairstyle has been reshaped, removing the voluminous wave over the forehead that fueled last week’s firestorm online. The more subdued cut brings the piece closer in line with archival photos of Walt Disney, whose personal style remained understated throughout his life.
Park visitors were quick to notice. “It’s definitely toned down. Looks more like Walt now—less like a political statement,” one guest posted on Threads.
A Brief But Viral Uproar
It was only a few days ago that the sculpture drew scrutiny on social media for its uncanny resemblance to Trump, prompting users to post side-by-side comparisons and question how such a likeness made it through Disney’s creative pipeline.
The original sculpture was removed by Sunday, replaced by a blank cap where the weather vane had stood. That quick disappearance came just days ahead of the park’s 70th Anniversary celebrations, which officially kick off May 16.
A Tense Backdrop
While this may have been a simple misfire in character design, the broader political context makes the incident harder to ignore. Since returning to office, President Trump’s administration has revived investigations into The Walt Disney Company, with the FCC and DOJ both taking aim at the company’s media dominance and alleged antitrust behavior.
Trump has also made Disney a recurring target in his political messaging, accusing it of pushing “woke ideology” and calling out leadership decisions. Meanwhile, Disney has attempted to stay above the fray, focusing public messaging on nostalgia and legacy as it navigates its milestone year.
The timing of the sculpture controversy—featuring what some described as an unintentional likeness of the president—only amplified the company’s precarious position.
Optics Matter
In an anniversary year that aims to center Walt Disney’s original vision, the prospect of honoring him with a figure that reminded guests of a divisive political leader was a misstep Disney clearly wanted to correct, and quickly. The new version of the weather vane is unlikely to stir similar controversy, and for now, it appears Disney hopes to move forward without further addressing the issue.
Whether the situation was an unfortunate coincidence or a sign of quality control slipping under pressure, it was a reminder of just how closely the company’s every move is watched—and how fast even an artistic decision can become a cultural flashpoint.
Job well done Disney
Imagine being so triggered by a weather vane that you forget the real reason you’re in the park. But then again, these are the same “ideologists” that tore down statues of persons who departed from this Earth long ago.
Trump is so living in their heads they equated a weather vane as a likeness of him? Wow, just Wow! Looks more like a Gatsby Cabbie golf cap than DJT’s hair! Good grief people, get over it!
Wow….this is beyond insane. Some people afrected by TDS basically said a rorschach image resemlbed the POTUS and instead of being proud you take it down. This park will never entertain any of my family ever again.
I think people need to be adults. Getting so worked up over a stupid weather vane! Walt would not be proud of the company that holds his name. He wanted to bring magic into the world and they have smashed it to pieces. Their latest film shows just how much they have strayed. It is truly sad.