It started with a seemingly inconsequential corporate statement. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a proposal critics have labeled the “Don’t Say Gay” policy, and Disney, a powerhouse in the Sunshine State, eventually criticized the anti-LGBTQ measure.
In a normal political environment, the governor might’ve defended his position and expressed his disagreement with Florida’s largest private employer, at which point the relevant players would’ve moved on. But in DeSantis Land, there’s nothing especially normal about politics: The Republican, desperate to punish Disney for daring to issue mild and inconsequential criticisms of a measure he’d already signed, created a new board giving him greater control over the local district.
What the governor did not realize — though he and his team probably should’ve been paying closer attention to the details — is that Disney was quietly making changes to weaken DeSantis’ appointees’ power before they even took office. A Washington Post report described the move as a “bureaucratic coup.”
As NBC News reported, DeSantis has now ordered an investigation.
In a letter to Florida’s chief inspector general released Monday, DeSantis asked for an investigation into the legality of a February declaration approved by the board that oversaw the Reedy Creek Improvement District. That declaration appears to give Walt Disney World direct corporate power to plan and develop the area. DeSantis further calls for an investigation into the qualifications of that board’s leadership, as well as any potential involvement of Disney employees and agents in executing the new document, and new communications between Disney and the board.
The governor’s letter went on to question whether Disney’s moves — made before the retaliatory measure was signed into law — should be seen as legally binding.
“These collusive and self-dealing arrangements aim to nullify the recently passed legislation, undercut Florida’s legislative…
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