Chris Christie questioned whether Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is even a conservative during a live interview with Semaphore Tuesday.
During the meeting, Christie joined the chorus of Republicans criticizing the Florida governor for government overreach during his growing conflict with Disney.
“I don’t think Ron DeSantis is a conservative based on his actions on Disney,” said the former New Jersey governor. “I think as a Conservative the government’s job is mainly to stay out of business.”
He added: “I don’t think we should heavily regulate business.”
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Wondering what precedent DeSantis might set, Christie asked, “If you disagree in this country, is the government authorized to punish you? To me, that’s what I always thought the Liberals did.”
DeSantis’ move to strip Walt Disney World of its self-governing status is coming under increasing scrutiny from the right, especially after estimates that the move could cost Florida taxpayers $1 billion, according to CNBC.
The politician, who is said to be announcing an imminent 2024 presidential bid, has been at odds with the entertainment giant since they pledged to help repeal Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill last year.
Donald Trump used the friction to take another shot at DeSantis on Monday, telling Truth Social followers that he was “absolutely destroyed by Disney.”
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The former president warned the governor that Disney could retaliate by pulling money from Florida, the state’s largest employer.
“Look! That would be a killer,” Trump said, calling the ordeal a “senseless political farce.”
Yesterday, DeSantis said Florida lawmakers are working to close a loophole that would allow Disney to replace a governor-appointed oversight board tasked with overseeing the area.
During the announcement, he suggested the 25,000-acre district could be turned into a state park or even a prison.
“Who knows?” he told the MPs. “I think the possibilities are endless.”
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