New Disney boss is tested by Trump and his administration

Josh D’Amaro, who took the helm in February, will have to lead Disney through surprising new scrutiny from the president

Josh D’Amaro officially became Disney’s chief executive on Wednesday. (Ricardo Moreira / Getty Images)

Posted Thursday, April 30, 2026 11:21 am

Analysis: What Disney
is thinking as it faces
a First Amendment fight with Trump
Brian Stelter | CNN

Brooks Barnes and John Koblin | The New York Times

In the six weeks since Josh D’Amaro took over Disney, the setbacks have been nearly nonstop.

OpenAI discontinued its text-to-video tool, Sora, nullifying a $1 billion deal with Disney. A major video game maker faltered, clouding a partnership that Disney is counting on for growth. “The Bachelorette,” on Disney-owned ABC, imploded amid a scandal involving its star. Next, Mr. D’Amaro announced layoffs related to companywide cutbacks in marketing.

But now Hollywood’s newest chief executive has been confronted with a genuine emergency, one that could color his tenure: guiding Disney through a political crisis with President Trump.

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New Disney boss is tested by Trump and his administration

Josh D’Amaro, who took the helm in February, will have to lead Disney through surprising new scrutiny from the president

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