Newsom criticizes DeSantis for Disney exit, welcomes company expansion in California.

Gov. Newsom Invites Disney to Stay in California

Disney’s announcement that it would be canceling a large project in Florida has sparked a feud between Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL). The canceled project would have relocated nearly 2,000 jobs from California to Florida. Newsom took to Twitter to praise Disney’s decision and invited the company to remain in California instead.

Newsom Blames DeSantis’s “Bigoted Policies”

Newsom placed blame on DeSantis’s “bigoted policies” and tweeted, “Turns out, bigoted policies have consequences. That’s 2,000+ jobs that will be welcomed back with open arms to the Golden State. Thank you for doing the right thing, @Disney.” Newsom further praised Disney’s decision in a press release, stating that “authoritarian policies have consequences.”

Rep. Adam Schiff Joins in Praise of Disney’s Move

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) also praised Disney’s move, tweeting, “As the proud representative of the Burbank, Glendale, and Hollywood area, I’m glad to see Disney keep more of its talented team in CA. You are always welcome here.”

DeSantis’s Office Unfazed by the News

DeSantis’s office responded to the news by stating that the state was unsure whether the project would come to fruition and that it was unsurprising that Disney would restructure its business operations and cancel unsuccessful ventures.

Disney Still Plans Extensive Investment in Florida

Although Disney canceled its new campus in Florida, the internal memo announcing the decision stressed that it still planned extensive investment in the Sunshine State. Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro stated in the memo that the company has plans to invest $17 billion and create 13,000 jobs over the next 10 years.

Conclusion

The feud between Newsom and DeSantis over Disney’s canceled project highlights the ongoing competition between states to attract businesses and jobs. While California celebrates the return of nearly 2,000 jobs, Florida remains optimistic about Disney’s continued investment in the state.