Top Republicans are criticizing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis after he announced legislative plans to give Florida power to decide how to develop land near Disney’s theme parks, among other things. DeSantis made the announcement after Disney made moves recently to circumvent Florida’s oversight takeover of Walt Disney World.
On Monday, April 17, DeSantis unveiled the proposal, suggesting that the new board or lawmakers could take other actions with the Disney’s 27,000 acres (10,926 hectares) in central Florida, according to The Associated Press.
“People have said maybe create a state park, maybe try to do more amusement parks – someone even said maybe you need another state prison. Who knows, I mean I just think the possibilities are endless,” DeSantis said.
AP reports the newly announced legislation will also use the regulatory powers of Florida government to exert unprecedented oversight on the park resort’s rides and monorail.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie criticized DeSantis for interfering with a private business that brings a lot of money into Florida.
“I don’t think Ron DeSantis is a conservative based on his actions toward Disney,” Christie told Semafor.
Former President Trump also criticized DeSantis, calling the move “unnecessary” and a “political STUNT” in a post on Truth Social. Other Republicans, such as former Vice President Mike Pence, have expressed similar views.
DeSantis’ announcement follows a tit-for-tat between Disney and the governor that started last year when the entertainment giant publicly opposed the state’s “Parental Rights in Education” legislation, which bars school instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. Critics dubbed it the “Don’t Say Gay” law.
DeSantis has made culture war issues a priority as he eyes a potential presidential run.
Recent polling from the American Principles Project, a social conservative group, shows that 93% of Republican primary voters surveyed want presidential candidates to prioritize parental rights and school curriculum transparency.
While DeSantis has not formally announced a presidential run, he is viewed as a top challenger to former President Donald Trump, who currently leads among Republicans in national polling.
