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Shark Tank billionaire Mark Cuban admitted he stopped his political support for former President Donald Trump after “getting to know” him.
Cuban made the admission in an interview with former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy posted on X and YouTube on Wednesday. Cuban has long used the social media platform to speak out against the Republican candidate and his policies.
Cuban endorsed Kamala Harris in late July, but said there was a time when he considered supporting Trump, particularly because of his outsider status.
“I didn’t think he had a chance and I just wanted to, you know, kind of screw things up in a traditional politics that I’m not a fan of,” Cuban said. “I thought he was great; he’s not a typical Stepford candidate. I thought that was a positive.”
“But then I met him.”
Ultimately, it was Trump’s ethics, or lack thereof, that turned Cuban off, he said. The former NBA owner then listed Trump’s actions and business ventures that he disliked.
“The bigger point is Trump University. Trump SoHo. They stole $4 million from a friend of mine who had to sue to get the money back. Mike Pence,” Cuban said.
In 2018, Trump agreed to a $25 million settlement after plaintiffs accused him of falsely advertising Trump University, a now-defunct real estate training college.
The former president’s Trump SoHo hotel was controversial after a construction worker died while working on the project in 2008. In 2017, the Trump Organization divested itself of the property and it was renamed The Dominick.
In addition, Trump’s relationship with his Vice President Mike Pence deteriorated at the end of his term, and he later reportedly called for his execution.
“He was unethical then and he still is,” Cuban said, adding: “You need someone whose first inclination is not to do what is in his own personal interest. You can’t deny that’s Donald Trump.”
The Independent has reached out to Trump’s campaign team and asked for comment.
