In an interview with CNBC, which took place right after Disney discussed their Q1 earnings, CEO Bob Iger was asked about his role on President Donald Trump’s economic advisory council. Iger has been thrust into controversy in recent weeks, first for accepting a position on the council and later for missing the first meeting of the group. Furthermore, there has been growing pressure on the CEO to speak out against the President’s policies, most notably executive order he signed temporarily halting refugees from entering the country.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkskT2KGNpQ&feature=youtu.be
When asked about what he hoped the accomplish on the council, Iger — a Democrat who supported Secretary Hillary Clinton in the 2016 race — said he saw it as an opportunity to represent Disney’s industry on “a number of very important issues,” including intellectual property law and corporate taxes. Moments later when asked about the President’s travel ban, Iger spoke in favor of immigration, saying, “I firmly believe we cannot shut our borders to immigrants… I think a fair and just immigration policy is good for our country and good for society.” Lastly, Iger was asked about Disney’s presence in China and what he thought of President Trump’s perceived hostility toward the country. To that, Iger warned about a starting a trade war with China, although he also was quick to mention that he nor the American public know exactly what Trump’s approach to China will be.
Iger has been the CEO of The Walt Disney Company since 2005 and is expected to step down in June of 2018. However, he confirmed today that he would be willing to extend his contract once again if the board felt it was in the best interest of the company.