As Disney prepares to select its next CEO, questions are swirling around Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden and her chances—particularly due to her long-standing friendship with former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. A recent Puck report by Matthew Belloni suggests that Walden’s 30-year personal relationship with Harris could be a liability, especially as Disney tries to distance itself from political controversies and avoid conflicts with the Trump administration.
Dana Walden via Variety YouTube
Disney has spent the last few years entangled in political and cultural battles, some of which have caused major headaches for the company. The high-profile feud with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over the Parental Rights in Education law led to Disney losing its special self-governing district. Under Bob Iger’s leadership, Disney has often stated that it wants to step away from divisive political issues, but beyond words there hasn’t been much forward momentum on that front. The company continues to push divisive progressive political messaging through its film and TV projects and in its theme parks, which many feel are no longer suitable for families that uphold traditional values.
According to Belloni, Disney has made several moves in recent months to steer clear of further controversy. These include settling a lawsuit with Donald Trump for $15 million, rolling back corporate DEI commitments, and scaling down its Snow White live-action remake promotion—reportedly to avoid more controversy surrounding lead actress Rachel Zegler’s past comments. Belloni goes as far as to call the $15 million settlement a “presidential bribe,” a characterization that is both dramatic and misleading.
The reality is that Disney settled a legal dispute with Trump over an ABC News lawsuit, a common practice in corporate America to avoid prolonged litigation.
President Donald Trump speaks at CPAC in 2017 – YouTube, The New York Times
With Trump now back in the White House, Disney’s board is reportedly weighing how much risk comes with appointing Dana Walden given her relationship with Kamala Harris. Walden has hosted the former Vice President at her home and even ran a star-studded fund raiser for the former Democratic presidential candidate.
If Disney installs a CEO perceived as close to Trump’s political opponents it could put the company in the crosshairs of a vengeful administration. Belloni notes that Trump has already shown a willingness to use his influence against corporations he views as adversarial. Given that Disney has spent the past several years being slammed as a partisan corporation, Walden’s connections may give the board pause.
At the same time, Disney’s financial and strategic challenges will likely outweigh short-term political concerns. The company is facing declining box office returns, major cost-cutting measures, and ongoing struggles with its streaming business. The board, led by chair James Gorman, will need to choose a leader who can successfully navigate these issues and restore stability to the company. If they believe Walden is the best candidate for the job, her political ties may not be a dealbreaker—but they certainly won’t help.
Dana Walden via Variety YouTube
Ultimately, Disney finds itself in a precarious position. Once an apolitical entertainment powerhouse, the company has increasingly been drawn into cultural and political battles, often to its own detriment. As 2026 approaches and Bob Iger’s exit looms, the choice of his successor will be as much about business strategy as it is about political calculations. Whether Dana Walden is deemed the right leader for the future of Disney remains to be seen—but if the company wants to avoid further controversy, her connections to Kamala Harris could be an obstacle too big to ignore.
Do you think Disney will make Dana Walden CEO given her connection to Kamala Harris? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
