Walt Disney’s chief executive Josh D’Amaro is facing an early test of his leadership, as a clash with Donald Trump threatens to drag the company deeper into political turmoil.
Senior executives are trying to contain the fallout from an unprecedented regulatory order to review Disney’s broadcast licences. Inside Disney, the step is seen as unlikely to succeed legally, but it is deeply uncomfortable for one of the world’s most carefully managed brands.
The feud erupted this week when first lady Melania Trump urged Disney to fire Jimmy Kimmel, a host on its ABC television channel, after he joked she was an “expectant widow” days before an assassination attempt on the US president.