Donald Trump Praises Disney’s Bold New Theme Park Move in Controversial Location
As the theme park world continues to expand and evolve, Disney remains a dominant force, pushing boundaries with new ventures and ambitious projects. The company’s announcement earlier this month of its seventh theme park, to be located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, sent waves through the industry and fan communities alike.
Disney’s vision for this new park promises to combine cutting-edge technology with contemporary architecture, creating experiences never before seen in any other Disney park worldwide.
Related: Disneyland Abu Dhabi Might Have Everything Fans Want—Including Low Wait Times
Located on Yas Island, a man-made entertainment hub already home to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld, the upcoming Disneyland Abu Dhabi is expected to elevate the destination’s profile on the global tourism map.
Disney’s choice to place a park in the Middle East, rather than in more traditional markets like Australia or Europe, has sparked varied opinions. Some have questioned the decision based on cultural, political, and human rights considerations, while others see it as a strategic move to tap into a rapidly growing leisure market.
Related: News: Bob Iger Reportedly Rejected Saudi Disneyland Deal Before Approving Abu Dhabi Expansion
Amid this mix of excitement and controversy, an unexpected voice recently weighed in with praise for Disney’s bold move: former U.S. President Donald Trump. Known for his outspoken opinions, Trump surprised many by expressing admiration for Disney CEO Bob Iger’s plan for the new theme park.
In a recent conversation with reporters, Trump revealed that Iger had visited the Oval Office to share plans for the park. He said:
Disney – I see their new theme park is going to be incredible. Bob Iger was in my office the other day and he was showing it to me and it’s going to be incredible.
This endorsement from Trump is noteworthy given his often contentious relationship with Disney. Over the years, he has frequently criticized Disney-owned ABC, labeling them “fake news” and even filing a lawsuit against the company following controversial coverage involving longtime anchor George Stephanopoulos. The lawsuit was ultimately settled, but tensions have lingered.
Trump’s close ties to Ike Perlmutter, the former Marvel executive who publicly parted ways with Disney in 2023 over disagreements involving the company’s direction, also factor into his views. Perlmutter, a vocal critic of Disney’s “woke” initiatives, has been a prominent figure in attempts to influence Disney’s board through activist investor campaigns.
Trump himself has publicly praised Perlmutter’s stance, referring to the departure as a rejection of what he called “woke Donald Duck.”
Related: The Former Disney Star Steering Trump’s ‘Make Hollywood Great Again’ Agenda
While the relationship between Trump and Disney might seem complicated, his recent commendation aligns with his broader business interests in the Middle East. A Forbes report highlights the extent of Trump’s commercial engagements in the region:
Trump is famous for his close ties to Middle East and has made the most of them. His comments about Disney come at the end of a week-long trade mission to the Middle East which has seen him secure $200 billion of deals in the UAE alone. They include a $14.5 billion commitment for local flag-carrier Etihad Airways to buy 28 Boeing aircraft and a $60 billion partnership between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and American energy companies including ExxonMobil.
This deep involvement helps explain why Trump views Disney’s decision to build in Abu Dhabi as a positive development. From a business perspective, it signals growing U.S. investment and cultural exchange in a region that has historically been less associated with major Western entertainment brands.
Yet, Disney’s choice has not been without criticism. Human rights concerns, particularly surrounding the treatment of the LGBTQ+ community in Abu Dhabi, have been a significant point of contention. Homosexuality remains illegal in the United Arab Emirates, carrying penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment. Additionally, women’s rights, while having seen some progress, are still limited by laws requiring male guardian consent for various activities, including work and travel.
Censorship is another challenge Disney will face as it develops its new park. To respect local customs, characters like Minnie Mouse and Ariel will reportedly receive more modest costume redesigns. Female tourists visiting Abu Dhabi are also expected to dress conservatively, covering from shoulders to below the knees, to show respect for cultural norms.
Despite these controversies, Disney’s announcement was greeted warmly by Wall Street. The company’s shares jumped over 10% immediately following the news, underscoring investor confidence in the park’s potential to open new revenue streams and expand Disney’s global footprint.
As the timeline for construction and opening remains unclear, the conversation around Disneyland Abu Dhabi continues to grow. Will Disney be able to balance its brand values with local expectations? Can the park become a cultural bridge as well as an entertainment destination? And what does Trump’s unusual endorsement mean for the relationship between American business interests and international entertainment?
We want to hear your thoughts. Do you believe Disney made the right choice building a park in Abu Dhabi, or should they have focused on less controversial locations? Would you be willing to travel to experience Disney’s latest venture, despite the political and cultural complexities? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation.
