(RepublicanNews.org) – The former Republican governor of New Jersey blasted popular Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on April 18th for how DeSantis has handled the Disney corporation.
DeSantis has aggressively tried to wrest power back from Disney, which he believes has too many self-governance privileges that ought to remain under the state’s purview. The governor is pushing bills that would take Disney’s self-governance authority away, returning political control of the land around the theme park back to the state.
For years Disney has acted as the municipal government over the land it sits on, which also extends beyond the borders of the theme park. Until recently, this unincorporated tract was called the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
DeSantis moved to take control of that District back, but Disney then signed a development deal on the land that gives the company control again. DeSantis has pledged to undo this move in the state house.
Christie, also a Republican, said DeSantis’ actions didn’t sound “conservative” to him. He said the government should “stay out of the business of business,” and that “I don’t think Ron DeSantis is a conservative, based on his actions toward Disney.”
Christie characterized DeSantis’ actions as government punishment of Disney for the company disagreeing with DeSantis’ political orientation. “That’s what I always thought liberals did,” Christie said.
Other Republicans are criticizing DeSantis over the conflict with Disney. But it appears some of that criticism may be motivated more by a competitive, sports-like view of the situation. Critics have seemed to make fun of DeSantis for being “outmaneuvered” by Disney as if to suggest that the battle was a game of dominance instead of being about principles.
In a tone similar to what Donald Trump might use, Christie said he didn’t want someone like DeSantis “sitting across from [Chinese] President Xi and negotiating our next agreement with China.” He said he felt the same about DeSantis having to face Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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