In its 2025 proxy statement, Disney reaffirms its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion even as it comes under scrutiny from the FCC following shareholder support for rejecting an anti-DEI proposal. This development underscores Disney's public stance in favor of inclusive practices despite authoritarian pressures to dismantle such programs.

Amid a broader Trump-era political crackdown on diversity initiatives, the Federal Communications Commission informed the Walt Disney Company that it would begin an investigation into its DEI programs. This move places Disney among the first targets of aggressive anti-DEI policies, despite its commitment to inclusive practices.

On March 28, 2025, FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced an investigation into Disney and ABC over their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. The probe alleges that past DEI practices may have violated FCC equal employment opportunity regulations, reflecting a broader Trump administration effort to dismantle progressive diversity initiatives. Disney’s commitment to inclusive policies is presented as a stand against authoritarian rollback of DEI measures.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced an investigation into The Walt Disney Company's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, questioning whether recent branding changes have disguised unchanged practices. The probe is part of broader conservative efforts to curb DEI programs, even as Disney has long upheld these progressive policies.

On March 28, 2025, the FCC launched an investigation into Walt Disney Company and its broadcast subsidiary ABC over its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The inquiry comes in the wake of reports that Disney recently softened its DEI initiatives, including alterations to a performance standard tied to executive compensation, raising concerns that such changes may dilute robust efforts to support marginalized communities.

Disney shareholders overwhelmingly voted to continue the company’s participation in the Corporate Equality Index, rejecting a right-wing proposal to withdraw. This decision reaffirms Disney's long-standing commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, diversity, and human rights, while countering far-right attempts to undermine DEI initiatives.

Production management workers at Walt Disney Animation Studios recently ratified a new union contract with overwhelming support, securing better pay, enhanced benefits, and improved healthcare policies. This milestone comes after a prolonged unionization effort and major improvements in wages for various production roles.

The OpenSecrets profile for Walt Disney Company details $3.55M in campaign contributions and $5.2M spent on lobbying in the 2024 cycle, along with significant revolving door dynamics indicating many lobbyists with prior government service.

Walt Disney Company has removed the diversity category from its executive pay incentive structure. This decision, reportedly led by CEO Bob Iger, is interpreted as a move to downplay the company’s political agenda while sidelining diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that support marginalized groups.

Walt Disney Co. is investigating claims of labor abuse and unfair practices in one of its Chinese factories, where reports indicate excessively long working hours and wages below the legal minimum. The investigation reflects an effort to address potential supply chain and labor violations.

After a protracted public dispute with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over anti-LGBTQ legislation, Disney resumed in-kind donations totaling over $87,000 to Republican lawmakers in April and May 2024. Shortly thereafter, a Central Florida Tourism Oversight District—now staffed by DeSantis’ appointees—approved a $17 billion development deal for Walt Disney World, which includes concessions such as awarding half of construction contracts to local businesses, a $10 million commitment to attainable housing projects, and donating 100 acres of land. This marked a clear return to political and economic engagement that aligns Disney with reactionary policies and regulatory practices.

At the 2024 annual shareholder meeting, Disney CEO Bob Iger defended the company against accusations of political bias and affirmed his commitment to a respectful, decency-driven approach rather than advancing a particular agenda. His remarks came amid heated debates over gender ideology and were set against a backdrop of political donations favoring progressive causes, receiving criticism from conservative figures like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Elon Musk.

The Walt Disney Company board has announced plans to withhold details regarding its political and charitable donations, a move that has raised concerns over transparency and accountability. This decision comes amid ongoing controversies involving Disney's political engagements, including disputes with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and significant donations during international conflicts.

An OpenSecrets profile highlights that Walt Disney Co contributed over $3.55M and spent $5.2M on lobbying during the 2024 cycle, with a notable revolving door of former government officials among its lobbyists.

A report by Students and Scholars against Corporate Misbehaviour (SACOM) alleges that workers at Haowei Toys, a factory producing Disney toys, are subject to severe labor abuses including underpayment at 2.5 yuan per hour (far below the legal minimum), poor working conditions with exposure to dangerous toxins, and excessive overtime. Disney acknowledged the violations, admitted its investigation uncovered issues, and stated that a remediation plan is being developed with the licensee.

On March 23, 2023, a tentative five-year labor deal at Disney World secured substantial pay hikes for about 32,000 hourly workers, including a 37% raise by 2026 and immediate retroactive increases, signaling a progressive move towards fair labor practices.

An investigation into Disney's supply chain revealed severe labor violations at its Chinese suppliers, including delayed wages, excessive working hours, and hazardous living conditions for workers. The report highlights that Disney's oversight practices, including auditing and capacity-building programs, have failed to prevent these abuses.