Disney Has a Trump Problem

The Walt Disney Company, it seems to many conservatives, goes out of its way to provoke Donald Trump and his MAGA followers.

Its ABC TV network is home to The View, arguably the most anti-Trump show on the small screen. ABC News—which Trump has repeatedly labeled a “fake news” outlet— came under fire from Republicans for being unfair and hostile to the now president-elect in the TV debate it hosted between him and his then-presidential campaign rival, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Then there are Disney’s remakes of classic films, which have been accused of “woke” casting by putting people of color into the roles of “white” characters. Disney’s appointment of Rachel Zegler, who is of Colombian and Polish descent, as Snow White in the upcoming film sparked ire among conservatives. She won’t have endeared herself to the MAGA massive when she posted, “F*** Donald Trump,” on Instagram following his election win.

Four weeks after Trump’s inauguration on January 20, one of Disney’s biggest films of 2025 will be released. Captain America: Brave New World sees a Black Captain America (Anthony Mackie replacing Chris Evans) fight the president of the United States, played by vocal Trump critic Harrison Ford, who turns into new Marvel Cinematic Universe villain Red Hulk. If Disney’s relationship with the president-elect wasn’t already strained, this could push it to breaking point.

Following a very public spat with Governor Ron DeSantis in the wake of Florida’s so-called “don’t say gay” legislation, which hurt the company’s standing among conservatives as well as its bottom line, Disney reinstated its former CEO Bob Iger in 2022. Under Iger, the ship has been turned around somewhat, with fourth quarter earnings announced last week showing the company beat Wall Street forecasts as revenue rose by six percent.

Now, with Iger set to leave the company, and a Harris acolyte waiting in the wings to take over, Disney appears to be on a collision course with Trump, who many fear will spend his second term in office targeting his enemies.

“As one of America’s most iconic brands, Disney is not new to controversy or the spotlight, but navigating today’s political landscape will require a deft touch,” Evan Nierman, CEO of global PR firm Red Banyan, told Newsweek. “In this high-octane climate, even small missteps can turn into headlines and outrage...