American entertainment giant Disney continues facing mounting challenges as conservative voices gain ground in the ongoing battle over corporate values. The latest development signals a growing pushback against progressive policies in major corporations, with significant implications for shareholders and families alike.
The entertainment empire that once represented wholesome American values has seen its market position increasingly threatened, with 2022-2023 marking some of the company’s most turbulent years in recent memory. Mass layoffs, plummeting stock prices, and cultural controversies have plagued the House of Mouse. Let that sink in for a moment.
The Mar-a-Lago Moment
But it was a recent Mar-a-Lago gathering that brought these simmering tensions into sharp focus. Indeed, President Donald Trump delivered a pointed critique that’s now reverberating through both entertainment and business circles.
“The guy went from stone-cold broke to owning Disney,” Trump declared to attendees, referring to former Marvel Entertainment chairman Ike Perlmutter. “Then he got out of Disney because they went woke. He didn’t want woke Donald Duck.”
The statement, made during an exclusive event attended by both Perlmutter and “Rocky” star Sylvester Stallone, highlighted the growing divide between traditional business leadership and modern corporate politics.
Perlmutter’s journey represents a classic American success story that stands in stark contrast to current corporate trends. After joining Marvel in the early 1990s, he helped navigate the company through financial turmoil, eventually orchestrating its $4 billion sale to Disney in 2009. Under his leadership, Marvel became a tremendous profit center for Disney, launching blockbuster franchises including Iron Man and The Avengers.
However, the relationship between Disney and Perlmutter soured as the entertainment giant increasingly embraced progressive political stances. The breaking point came during Disney’s public battle against Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law, which Perlmutter openly opposed, siding with Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.
The Price of Going Woke
Surprise, surprise – going woke isn’t exactly great for business. The consequences of Disney’s political activism have been severe. The company experienced a disastrous 2022, with stock values plunging 44% and profitability taking a significant hit. This downturn led to the firing of CEO Bob Chapek and triggered waves of layoffs that have continued into 2024, with the company scrambling to cut $5.5 billion from its budget.
Perlmutter’s departure, though officially part of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, came after he backed activist investor Nelson Peltz’s attempt to join Disney’s board – a move that put him at odds with returning CEO Bob Iger. The conservative executive’s exit marked the end of an era. It also highlighted the growing resistance to progressive corporate policies.
And here’s what mainstream media won’t tell you: Recent developments suggest the tide may be turning. Disney’s recent $16 million settlement with Trump over an ABC News dispute indicates a possible retreat from aggressive political positioning. The company’s theme parks have seen declining attendance, and empty store shelves at Disney Springs have left visitors stunned – signs that families might be voting with their wallets.
For conservatives watching these developments, the message is clear: market forces ultimately respond to traditional values. As Trump’s Mar-a-Lago comments suggest, the push for corporate America to return to focus on business rather than politics is gaining momentum, with Disney serving as a cautionary tale for other companies considering similar paths.
The question now facing Disney and corporate America: Will they heed the warning signs and return to traditional business principles, or continue down a path that’s proving increasingly costly? For now, conservatives like Perlmutter are showing that standing firm on principles can be both professionally and financially sound – even when facing the world’s most powerful entertainment company.
Key Takeaways:
- Disney’s embrace of progressive politics led to 44% stock plunge and massive layoffs.
- Conservative business leader Ike Perlmutter chose principles over profits, backing DeSantis.
- Trump celebrates traditional values winning against corporate wokeism.
- Market forces showing Americans still prefer traditional family entertainment.
Sources: Breitbart, Disney Dining
