Mark Cuban reveals he stopped supporting Donald Trump as he 'got to know him'

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Mark Cuban, the billionaire entrepreneur has made it clear that former president Donald Trump won’t be getting his vote this November.

However, Cuban wasn’t always opposed to the GOP’s controversial figure.

Why did Mark Cuban initially support Donald Trump?

In a recent interview with former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, released on X and YouTube, the 'Shark Tank' star, revealed that he initially supported Donald Trump, drawn to his non-traditional approach to politics.

"I actually started off supporting Donald and then I got to know him better. I was like, 'He's great, he's not a typical Stepford candidate'. I thought that was a positive, and then I got to know him," Cuban shared, reflecting on his early impressions.

The business mogul's underdog status and potential to shake up the political scene initially appealed to Cuban. "I didn't think he had a chance, and so I just wanted to kind of, you know, screw things up in traditional politics that I'm not a fan of," he added.

What changed Mark Cuban’s mind about Donald Trump?

However, Mark Cuban’s admiration quickly soured as he delved deeper into Donald Trump’s business and political track record. Pointing to scandals like Trump University and the controversy-ridden Trump SoHo project, Cuban cited unethical practices that ultimately led to his change of heart. "The bigger point is Trump University. Trump SoHo. Stole $4 million from a friend of mine that had to sue to get it back," Cuban stated, highlighting his disillusionment.

The billionaire referenced the fraud accusations that plagued Trump University, which resulted in Trump paying $25 million in settlements. He also mentioned Trump SoHo rebranded to 'The Dominick', a luxury hotel project embroiled in controversies, including the death of a construction worker during an accident in 2008 and alleged Russian financial backing.

Mark Cuban says he'll vote for Biden/Harris over Donald Trump

Mark Cuban didn’t hold back on Donald Trump’s political actions either, pointing to the strained relationship between the former president and then Vice President Mike Pence following the latter's certification of the 2020 election results. In his interview, Cuban didn’t mince words, declaring, "He was unethical then, and he's still unethical."

This marks a continuation of Cuban’s vocal criticism of Trump, whom he previously described as a "snake oil salesperson." Despite his initial support, Cuban now firmly opposes Trump’s approach to leadership and that he would vote for "Biden/Harris over Trump all day every day." He stressed the need for a president who prioritizes the nation's interests over personal gain. "You want somebody whose first inclination is not to do what's in their own best personal interest. You can't deny that's Donald Trump," Cuban concluded.

Mark Cuban's refusal to support Donald Trump stems from his commitment to climate change

Previously, Mark Cuban took to Twitter to clear up any speculation about his stance on Donald Trump. “I don’t hate the guy,” he tweeted. “Just don’t want him to be President.”

This straightforward comment prompted a user on X to highlight Cuban's support for Biden: “Mark Cuban, a billionaire Republican, lays out the FACTS as to whether the choice in November is Biden or Trump. He’s voting Biden, and he hasn’t even considered the many compassionate social issues I care about, including protecting our Mother Earth. Look at the facts!”

In a telling response, Cuban emphasized his stance on climate change: “I won't vote for anyone that doesn't believe climate change is real.”

Netizens react to Mark Cuban's political stance and views on climate change

Mark Cuban's political views sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. While some users criticized Cuban for his political opinions, others defended his focus on technological innovation as the solution to climate change, rather than political bureaucracy. 

"Mark Cuban is a self-proclaimed racist who thinks DEI is a good thing. He perfectly embodies the far-left," a social media user tweeted.

"I value Mark's opinion on everything besides politics." What a way to open!" another said.

"The way out of climate change is through technological innovation, not bureaucracy The reason the issue is so contentious is because people are attempting to use politics to force behavior, reduce freedom and pass costs down to normal people Focus on advancement, build cool shit that solves problems and the issue stops being contentious," a user tweeted.

"This is a waste of time. If we don’t win this election America is finished," read a tweet.

"Until Socialism takes over, which is one election away," chimed a user.

"Very smart discussion for the first 45 minutes before it deteriorated into anti-Trump vs pro-Trump," penned a user.

"One of Vivek’s superpowers is ability to speak to anyone respectfully and with humility. Mark has long stopped listening to anyone’s voice but his own, that’s why his opinions suck," remarked a user.

"We all know he hates Trump. It is likely personal and he votes accordingly. Typical," commented a user.

"Cuban on "Ethics" and gives a Pass to Biden Cuban is emotionally driven by his TDS and appears the DNC has something on him," added another.

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