Trump Praises Disney’s New Project—Then Turns Around With a Threat

For decades, Disney has stood as one of the most recognized brands in the world, known for its family-friendly films, larger-than-life theme parks, and massive media empire. But in recent years, the company has found itself at the center of public scrutiny—often for reasons that go beyond box office numbers or ride closures.

One of the more vocal critics of the Walt Disney Company has been none other than former President Donald Trump.

Related: After Backing Donald Trump, Disney Star Claims Industry Won’t Work With Him

Trump’s feud with Disney, and specifically its subsidiary ABC News, has been well documented. He has openly criticized ABC News for what he deems unfair coverage, taking aim at individual reporters, the network’s editorial direction, and the leadership at Disney itself.

In fact, Trump once demanded that Disney CEO Bob Iger fire everyone involved with the network. But even by his standards, what unfolded recently marks a new chapter in the story—and a twist that few could have predicted.

It all started when Trump, in an unexpected moment during a press appearance, offered praise for Disney. Specifically, he spoke positively about the company’s newly announced theme park project in Abu Dhabi. According to the former president, Bob Iger had personally reached out to discuss the international expansion and even shared early plans with him.

Trump called the project “incredible” and seemed, at least briefly, to be extending an olive branch to the media giant. Coming from someone who had once sued Disney and ABC News for defamation—resulting in a $16 million settlement—that moment of public approval stood out.

But as anyone who’s followed Trump’s relationship with the media knows, these moments of goodwill often come with a short shelf life.

It wasn’t long after the Abu Dhabi remarks that Trump once again took to his Truth Social platform—this time to blast ABC News over what he called a false report involving a gifted aircraft from Qatar. The network had covered reports suggesting Trump might use a $400 million plane offered by Qatar as his future version of Air Force One, a move that drew headlines and criticism alike.

Trump quickly fired back. And his response, which reignited tensions with Disney and ABC, was shared in full on his social platform:

“Why doesnʼt Chairman Bob Iger do something about ABC Fake News, especially since I just won $16,000,000 based on the Fake and Defamatory reporting of Liddleʼ George Slopadopolus. He was given warnings, but just couldnʼt be restrained by “management.” Now I see they are at it again, and I again give these SleazeBags fair warning! The wonderful country of Qatar, after agreeing to invest more than 1.4 Trillion Dollars in the United States of America, deserves much better than Misleading (Fake!) News. Everyone, including their lawyers, has been told that ABC must not say that Qatar is giving ME a FREE Boeing 747 Airplane, because they are not. Instead, and as Fake News ABC fully knows and understands, this highly respected country is donating the plane to the United States Air Force/ Defense Department, AND NOT TO ME. By so doing, they are saving our country, and the American Taxpayer, hundreds of millions of dollars. ABC Fake News is one of the WORST”

Related: Defamation Fallout: Disney and ABC Face Massive Payout in Donald Trump Lawsuit

The post not only brought the focus back to Trump’s long-standing friction with Disney-owned ABC News, but also added new fuel to an already complicated narrative. Just months earlier, the former president had secured a multimillion-dollar settlement from Disney and ABC following statements made by anchor George Stephanopoulos during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace.

At the time, Stephanopoulos had claimed Trump had been “found liable for rape,” when in fact, a jury had found him liable for sexual abuse—leading Trump to sue.

Rather than risk a lengthy trial, Disney settled the case, agreeing to pay $15 million toward Trump’s presidential library and an additional $1 million in legal fees. The fallout from that legal battle reportedly had ripple effects throughout ABC’s editorial team, including what many have called “tightened messaging.”

Related: Donald Trump Demands Bob Iger “Fire Everybody” at ABC

According to multiple outlets, Bob Iger and ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic recently met with producers and stars from The View and suggested the show cut back on political commentary—specifically when it came to Donald Trump. The co-hosts reportedly pushed back, insisting they would continue the show as they always had.

And while Disney has not officially responded to Trump’s latest post, insiders say the mood within ABC remains cautious. Between rising legal costs, executive pressure, and the ongoing 2024 election cycle, the relationship between the former president and Disney’s news arm remains under intense scrutiny.

Meanwhile, despite the controversy, the Pentagon has confirmed that the U.S. will, in fact, take possession of the Qatari jet, which will be outfitted as the next version of Air Force One. Legal hurdles remain, but according to officials, the process is underway.

As for Trump, his position remains unchanged—praise when he’s included, lawsuits when he’s not. And for Disney, balancing entertainment, politics, and a precarious media landscape may be more complicated than ever.

What do you think? Should Disney and ABC continue to cover Trump without restraint, or has the former president’s aggressive legal action created a chilling effect? Do you believe it’s fair for Trump to keep suing over coverage he disagrees with—or is this just politics as usual? Share your thoughts in the comments below.