That is one way to parse things. I think DeSantis thought he could get more money & political credit by attacking Disney. IMO the way he went about this issue is very problematic. In essence he took action against a corporation for protected political speech. Despite the knee jerk reaction of joy for pushback against “groomers” DeSantis’ actions set a dreadful president.
The constant bickering with Disney has now become a prominent feature of his presidential campaign, documented in fundraising emails and rallies. Beyond the press conferences and interviews, DeSantis dedicated a full chapter of his autobiography, “The Courage to Free,” to none other than Disney and their feud. DeSantis portrayed his feud against the Mickey Mouse company as a battle for justice: “Leaders must be willing to stand up and fight back when big corporations make the mistake, as Disney did, of using their economic might to advance a political agenda.”
DeSantis’ book is noted to be a substantial piece of evidence for Disney’s First Amendment lawsuit with the Florida governor. The lawsuit utilizes DeSantis’ statements and excerpts of his books as evidence as they were “left with no choice but to file this lawsuit to protect its cast members, guests, and local development partners from a relentless campaign to weaponize government power against Disney in retaliation for expressing a political viewpoint unpopular with certain State officials.”
Even though Disney’s argument is quite strong, many experts say that it does not necessarily indicate an immediate victory for Mickey Mouse and the case has the potential to escalate to the federal Supreme Court. Rebecca Tushnet, a First Amendment professor at Harvard Law School, said that should DeSantis come out victorious, “legislatures that share his views are going to accelerate this, unquestionably, in any way they can.” Meanwhile, if Disney wins, it could prevent future forms of retaliation by government officials. A Florida First Amendment lawyer, Gary Edinger, predicts that Disney will prevail on the First Amendment grounds.
However, it is not the only Amendment that Disney claims that DeSantis violated as he also took their “property without adequate compensation” without “legitimate state interest”—ultimately violating the 14th Amendment’s Due Process clause. DeSantis had requested immunity from their legal feud, aiming to push the trial to August 4, 2025—more than 2 years from now and a year after the presidential election (should he manage to defeat Trump’s overwhelming lead). On Disney’s side, they aim for the trial to start on July 15, 2024—the 1st day of the Republican National Convention where Republicans will decide on who their 2024 presidential candidate will be. Regardless of the date, the consequences of the lawsuit will have significant implications on free speech, dictating whether the government can have control over corporations’ free speech and allegiances.
DeSantis 8s a great Govenor l, let him stay thier.