Walt Disney World Works to Bring Back Traditional Families as World View Landscape Is Radically Different Than Prior Iger Flavor

February 24, 2025 ·

Rick Frazier

Jenna Bush Hager visits Epcot; Courtesy Disney Parks Blog

The Walt Disney Company hosted Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of President George W. Bush, at Epcot recently. It’s yet another sign that Wall Street is pushing the Iger Corporation hard to make nice with the right side of the aisle.

Since President Trump assumed the presidency in January 2017, The Walt Disney Company has navigated a complex landscape in its relationship with American conservatives. Known historically for its family-friendly entertainment, Disney has faced criticism from some conservative circles for perceived liberal leanings, particularly during Trump’s tenure. However, the company has made notable efforts to mend ties and appeal to this demographic, balancing its brand identity with pragmatic adjustments. This is in stark contrast to 2022, when Disney opposed DeSantis’ law regarding transparency in Parental Rights in Education for the state of Florida.

Facing threats to its tax status and a reputational dip among Republicans—evidenced by a 2023 Axios Harris Poll showing only 27% of Florida Republicans viewed Disney favorably—the company pivoted.

The Hall of Presidents animatronic figures in Walt Disney World – YouTube, Mousesteps/JWL Media

By June 2024, Disney settled the dispute, securing a $17 billion expansion deal for Walt Disney World. This resolution prioritized economic collaboration over ideological battles, appealing to conservatives who value business-friendly policies.

Content adjustments also reflect this outreach. Disney has scaled back some diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that drew conservative ire. In its latest SEC filing, the company dropped the “Reimagine Tomorrow” program, criticized for promoting progressive narratives, and rebranded its diversity efforts as “Talent Strategy,” aligning them with business goals rather than social agendas. This shift aligns with broader conservative pushback against corporate DEI under Trump’s influence, especially after his 2025 executive orders targeting such programs.

On the creative front, Disney has tread carefully. While remakes like Snow White with Rachel Zegler stirred conservative backlash for “woke” casting, the company has avoided doubling down on polarizing narratives. Instead, it has leaned into universally appealing content—think Moana 2 or The Mandalorian—that sidesteps cultural flashpoints. Disney’s return to advertising on X in 2024, despite Elon Musk’s Trump ties, further suggests a willingness to engage with platforms popular among conservatives.

An image of the updated Peter Pan’s Flight at Walt Disney World via Blog Mickey YouTube

These efforts have yielded mixed results. The 2024 Axios Harris Poll noted a reputational uptick among Republicans, hinting at progress. However, Disney faces internal dissent from progressive employees and talent frustrated by what they see as capitulation. Balancing these tensions, Disney under Iger—and potentially Dana Walden, a rumored successor who is less likely by the second—aims to maintain its broad appeal. By prioritizing economic pragmatism, tempering progressive initiatives, and avoiding direct Trump antagonism, Disney is cautiously rebuilding bridges with conservatives, betting that a less divisive approach will safeguard its cultural and financial dominance in a polarized America. It’s even what we’re seeing out of The View today!

Nine staffers were fired on “The View” recently and the hosts have been told by their bosses to dial back their Trump criticism. https://t.co/SVrVip75Cc

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) February 21, 2025

Here’s the press release from Disney regarding Jenna Bush Hager:
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Just in time for President’s Day, Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, visited her father’s Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors exhibit at EPCOT to connect with veteran cast members.

The more than 60 patriotic portraits were painted by President Bush, honoring members of the U.S. military who have served our nation with honor since 9/11, and whom he has come to know personally.

At the event, Jenna shared her personal connection to this community, reflecting on the selfless service of both her father and grandfather. The entire Bush family has deep roots in military service and supporting veterans.

Jenna was presented with a flag flown over EPCOT in her honor, and a special SALUTE military challenge coin, in recognition of her dedication to supporting the military community.

The group was also greeted by a special guest, Mickey Mouse, dressed in red, white and blue!

Jenna, her family and friends were joined by Walt Disney World Ambassador Shannon-Smith Conrad, who comes from a military family, Walt Disney Imagineering cast members who helped create the exhibit at EPCOT, and members of Disney SALUTE, our employee resource group that honors and empowers our cast members with military backgrounds, families, and those with an affinity for military service.

Jenna Bush Hager visits EPCOT Portraits of Courage

While SALUTE has been key in fostering a sense of community and support for over a decade, our enduring admiration for the military community started with our founders, Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both served their country during World War I.

This legacy continues today, in part through our ongoing relationship with the Bush Institute, which began when Walt Disney World Resort hosted the Invictus Games nearly a decade ago.

To learn more about Disney’s commitment to service members, veterans and military families, visit Impact.Disney.com.

Author: Rick Frazier

Co-Founder of That Park Place Engineer, nuclear power plant contractor, owner of a little site called That Park Place. Opinions are my own... always. Go Vols!