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Trump Sets Sights on Walt Disney Company Following Election Victory

Donald Trump attends a rally
Credit: Gage Skidmore, Flickr

Following Donald Trump’s recent election victory, concerns surrounding The Walt Disney Company have escalated. Observers are noting a significant increase in scrutiny and political aggression directed at the media giant, a shift that could lead to serious implications for its operations and reputation.

Donald Trump Hall of Presidents Liberty Square Magic Kingdom

Credit: Disney

Historically, Disney has maintained a distinct stance against cooperation with political figures. During the election period, many corporations, from Amazon to NBC Universal, scrambled to align themselves with Trump, but Disney remained firm under CEO Bob Iger, a known opponent of the former president. This decision may now come back to haunt the company, as Trump has voiced his discontent, specifically targeting Disney for its perceived transgressions against him.

Trump’s criticisms of Disney are rooted in his response to an ABC-hosted debate, where he felt he received unfair treatment from Disney-owned media. He expressed his grievances and suggested that the network’s fact-checking harmed his performance and vowed to retaliate. His rhetoric indicates a clear intention to utilize his political influence against Disney, a threat that could have serious ramifications for the company’s future.

A boy wearing a winter hat and coat stands in an opulent hotel lobby with a chandelier overhead. He looks up at a man in a dark overcoat who is pointing down a hallway, appearing to give directions. Other people are in the background.

Credit: Disney

Business Challenges Facing Disney

The Walt Disney Company now faces several daunting business challenges in the aftermath of Trump’s successful presidential bid. One immediate concern concerns potential tax incentive changes in crucial states like Florida and Georgia, where Disney has major operations.

With his influence, Trump could potentially pressure state officials to alter or strip away tax benefits that Disney has relied upon for its productions. This could force Disney to rethink its filming locations and development strategies, as evidenced by its previous decision to move several productions from Florida to Georgia.

Donald Trump in a suit and tie, smiling with an American flag partially visible behind him on the left, is next to Mickey Mouse, who has a surprised expression and is standing against an orange background on the right. This moment quickly caught the attention of news media outlets including Disney World.

Credit: Disney Dining

In addition, the trend of competitors bending their knees to Trump to gain favor highlights a growing divestment from Disney. Companies aligning themselves with Trump may gain significant industry advantages, while Disney stands isolated, facing increased pressure without the same support from state and local governments. This situation places Disney at substantial economic risk as it might lose out in high-stakes negotiations that could profoundly affect its profit margins.

Concerns Over Creative Freedom

Beyond financial implications, the political environment instigated by Trump’s return to power raises significant red flags regarding creative freedom within Disney. Many creators and industry insiders are expressing concern that the company may self-censor in response to the conservative climate that Trump promotes. Sensitive subjects like race, immigration, and reproductive rights, which have traditionally been explored within Disney’s programming, may now be viewed through a more trepidatious lens.

The Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom with Donald Trump.

Credit: Disney/ Flickr @gageskidmore

Documentary filmmakers and other creators are worried that the fear of backlash might result in a shift from serious, impactful storytelling to more sensationalist narratives. The risk of self-censorship looms large, especially for Disney-owned channels like Fox and FX, which have, in the past, championed edgy and provocative content. The possibility of avoiding critical discussions about societal issues could lead to a narrowness in programming that is contrary to what audiences have come to expect from the iconic brand.

Future Outlook for Disney

As The Walt Disney Company charts its course following Trump’s election victory, a complex landscape of political pressures and scrutiny awaits. Observers compare this moment to Disney’s previous confrontations with political figures, notably Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, where the company’s ability to navigate challenges depended heavily on its financial resilience.

donald trump and hall of presidents building at magic kingdom at disney world resort

Credit: Disney Dining

The importance of robust stakeholder engagement and adaptability cannot be overstated. Analysts suggest that for Disney to thrive amid uncertainty, it must recommit itself to meaningful storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences. Balancing its historical brand identity, rooted in creativity and innovation, will be critical as it navigates the turbulent political waters.

Ultimately, as Donald Trump sets his sights on The Walt Disney Company, the unfolding dynamics between politics and business will reveal how well the iconic company can withstand external pressures. Resilience and an ability to pivot strategy will be essential for Disney, ensuring that it does not merely react to externalities but instead seeks to assert control over its narrative in a challenging environment.

About Rick

Rick is an avid Disney fan. He first went to Disney World in 1986 with his parents and has been hooked ever since. Rick is married to another Disney fan and is in the process of turning his two children into fans as well. When he is not creating new Disney adventures, he loves to watch the New York Yankees and hang out with his dog, Buster. In the fall, you will catch him cheering for his beloved NY Giants.

16 comments

  1. This article only serves to further the mass hysteria regarding President-elect Trump to something that may or may not happen. So many false narratives have already been spread (like federal ban on abortion, internment camps, re-instituting the draft, etc.) and this doggerel only serves to add to them. There have been no comments or other indicia that he will “target” Disney or weaponize the DOJ against them. Trump won not only the electoral college but also the popular vote and he did so by appealing to mainstream America, the very people Walt Disney appealed to when he designed Main Street in the original Disneyland. Americans should be congratulated for not listening to Hollywood elite, Disney “stars” included, and voting for the candidate that they thought would best provide economic relief, border security, a strong military and a focus on education, We are sorely lagging behind the rest of the world in the latter and are doing our youth no favor by focusing on pronouns instead of physics. Let’s give President-elect Trump a chance and if he fails on the job, then there’s always 2028.

    • Amen! Well said sir!

      • I couldn’t have said it better myself, and I might add, it may not have been quite as graceful and poignant. I would only further state that, getting to the brass tacks of Disney’s creative environment, that i think most of Disney’s consumer have spoken loudly and clearly about the so called “entertainment” Disney has been producing; stop with the woke mind virus garbage and just get back to telling stories in a clean, wholesome way. I would also add that this entire article is one of the most intellectually dishonest, politically biased, fear mongering hit pieces I’ve seen in some time. Trump bad, Disney innocent; poor Disney. NOT!!! Disney has been biased to the left as long as i can remember, but their supposedly neutral debate moderators were nothing less than shameful and the entire ABC network, along with most legacy media, basically campaigned against President Trump and for Vice President Harris throughout the entire election cycle. That’s called election interference and it’s illegal. All legacy media should be concerned about their broadcast licenses because it’s part of their contract with the people of America to be fair and unbiased and present information in a factual, objective way to be of service the American people. This election cycle showed the exact opposite. I hope they are all held accountable but I extend a courtesy they did not; i hope they are treated fairly in the eyes of the law.

    • 100 %!!! Let’s Make our Kids, Kids Again!

    • Can’t be said any better.

  2. This sounds like censorship to me! That was one of my biggest fears if the election ended the way it did.

    • Don’t listen to this nonsense article and the mainstream media! Do your own research! Keep kids, kids again! Make America Healthy Again!!

  3. This article and anyone who buys into the nonsense are ridiculously stupid and naïve. For the last four years Disney and its affiliates have attempted to push the woke agenda and brainwash people into believing a fake narrative. They have attempted to push DEI, push the idea that gender affirming surgeries are normal and not a signal for mental illness and that abortion is a form of birth control, and that conservatives, are weird. Several years ago Governor Desantis took them to task, but Bob Iger and his band of fools did not learn. They continued to attempt their nonsense, including their abortion of a Presidential debate.
    Disney should be more concerned with making movies, tv shows, and other forms entertainment that appeals the masses, and less concerned with the bending the knee to the small percentage of loonies. Make figure out a way to stop making the parks tremendously overpriced, while competition is surpassing them in every way. Maybe, just maybe stay out of the political activism arena and stick to entertainment and actual, unbiased news reporting.
    It is about time that the big corporations stop pushing their agenda and begin listening to the masses. America has spoken and Trump was elected fairly… unlike the “most popular resident ever” Joe, can’t form a thought Biden.

    Make America Great Again !!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

  4. LOVE THIS!!!! AGREE 💯!!!

  5. Walt Disney was a Republican and would have voted for Trump!! Unfortunately a bunch of greedy perverts have taken over the company! Stop pushing this crazy trans thing on our children

  6. It’s amazing people will listen to this absurdly. Trump never vowed to get back at Disney or ABC. This is exactly the reason you lost. Hopefully, some day you’ll learn.

  7. I still want to know what sort of idiot would vote for a “businessman” who is too stupid to make a profit running a rigged casino?
    Along with the rest of his business failures.
    (not to mention his personal failings.)

  8. This is about the stupidest article that I have ever seen. This newsletter is like one of the tabloid newspapers that I never waste time on and it’s time to do the same here

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