California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a stunning political broadside, threatening to strip Disney of its special tax privileges in the Golden State amid an escalating war of words with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
The Political Powder Keg Ignites
During a fiery appearance on Fox News' 'The Story,' Newsom revealed he's considering terminating the special tax district that has benefited Disney's California operations for decades. "We've had that in California for decades," Newsom stated, "and I'm open to stripping that away."
The Democratic governor's threat comes as retaliation against DeSantis' ongoing battle with the entertainment giant over Florida's so-called "Don't Say Gay" legislation. Newsom didn't mince words, declaring he's prepared to "fight fire with fire" in this increasingly bitter cross-state conflict.
Disney's Special Status Under Fire
At the heart of the controversy lies the Reedy Creek Improvement District, Disney's unique governmental jurisdiction in Florida that allows the company to effectively self-govern its Orlando theme park properties. DeSantis moved to dismantle this arrangement earlier this year after Disney publicly opposed his education policies.
Now Newsom is threatening similar action against Disney's California operations, though he acknowledged the move would be purely political rather than policy-driven. "I don't want to do that," Newsom admitted, "but if they're going to weaponize and go after people's rights in Florida, I have a responsibility to stand up."
A Nation Divided: The Political Theatre Expands
This dramatic escalation represents the latest chapter in the ongoing political theatre between Democratic-led California and Republican-controlled Florida. Both governors have positioned themselves as standard-bearers for their respective parties, with Newsom recently running ads in Florida criticizing DeSantis' policies.
The Disney conflict has become a symbolic battleground for broader cultural and political divisions, with the entertainment giant caught in the crossfire between two of America's most prominent governors. As the feud intensifies, questions arise about how far each leader is willing to go in this high-stakes political confrontation.
Industry analysts warn that revoking Disney's special status in either state could have significant economic consequences, potentially affecting jobs, local economies, and the company's operational flexibility. Yet both governors appear undeterred, suggesting this political showdown is far from over.
