As DeSantis fights Disney, Marco Rubio worries political battles could scare businesses from Florida

Ken Tran, USA TODAY
·2 min read
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As the battle between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Disney continues, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is concerned what message it's sending to other companies that want to do business in the Sunshine State.

“I think where it gets problematic in the eyes of some people is when you start creating the idea . . . that somehow if you run crossways against us politically, whoever’s in charge, you may wind up in the crosshairs of the legislature for political purposes to make a statement at you,” Rubio said on Fox News Thursday, adding that he thinks DeSantis’ feud is “legitimate.”

"I don't have a problem with taking on Disney," Rubio said.

Rubio said he thinks the political battles could scare away businesses from opening up shop in Florida.

“I do worry that if this happens too many times, businesses that are thinking about coming to Florida are saying ‘Maybe we don’t want to go there because if we get into a firestorm with them politically, they might come after our business,’” Rubio said.

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US Senator and Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chair, Marco Rubio, speaks during a hearing on worldwide threats, in Washington, DC, on March 8, 2023.
US Senator and Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chair, Marco Rubio, speaks during a hearing on worldwide threats, in Washington, DC, on March 8, 2023.

Ron DeSantis' feud with Disney

Disney sued DeSantis on Wednesday, alleging a “targeted campaign of government retaliation” after DeSantis made moves to weaken the company's self-governing status in Florida. The self-governing status gives Disney powers similar to a local government in its own special district.

DeSantis’ clash with Disney started in 2022 when the company opposed legislation that restricted discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida schools from kindergarten through third grade. Critics have derided the legislation as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

Cinderella Castle stands at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Monday, April 3, 2023.
Cinderella Castle stands at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Monday, April 3, 2023.

DeSantis called the Florida state legislature into a special session and soon signed a bill giving him control of the special district. Disney sidestepped the state’s new oversight through various separate contractual agreements, prompting DeSantis to take further steps to cement state control of the district.

“I do think Disney is not different than any other company in the world and I don’t know why they should have government powers. That was something given to them a long time ago and that’s up for review every year the legislature looks at it,” Rubio said, defending DeSantis’ position.

DeSantis dismissed Disney’s lawsuit, calling it politically motivated in a press conference in Jerusalem meant to build his foreign policy credentials.

“I don’t think the suit has merit. I think it’s political,” DeSantis said.

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis talks to the media at a conference titled "Celebrate the Faces of Israel" at Jerusalem's Museum of Tolerance, Thursday, April 27, 2023.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis talks to the media at a conference titled "Celebrate the Faces of Israel" at Jerusalem's Museum of Tolerance, Thursday, April 27, 2023.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DeSantis and Disney: Marco Rubio worries businesses will leave Florida

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