Billionaire investor Mark Cuban sparked a heated response Thursday on The View when he criticized former President Donald Trump’s relationships with women, claiming, “You never see [Trump] around strong, intelligent women.” Cuban, who previously supported Nikki Haley in the primaries but has now endorsed Kamala Harris, shared his belief that Trump avoids women who challenge him, particularly on issues like reproductive rights and treatment of women.
When asked by co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin about Trump’s reluctance to seek support from Haley’s voter base, Cuban suggested that Trump intentionally avoids female figures who may not support his positions. “Donald Trump, you never see him around strong, intelligent women. Ever. It’s just that simple,” Cuban stated. “They’re intimidating to him. He doesn’t like to be challenged by them, and Nikki Haley would call him out for his stance on reproductive rights and his treatment of women.” He continued, adding that Trump and Haley “just wouldn’t work” together on stage.
The co-hosts reacted with a mix of agreement and humor. Joy Behar countered with a joke, saying, “I think Stormy is intelligent. I don’t think that’s 100%. She’s very smart,” referencing adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who famously clashed with Trump. Whoopi Goldberg added, “I think [Cuban] means onstage,” underscoring Cuban’s point that Trump prefers controlled environments when discussing gender issues.
Social Media Backlash
Cuban’s comments quickly sparked a firestorm on social media, with both supporters and critics weighing in. Supporters of Cuban praised his remarks as an overdue critique of Trump’s attitudes toward women, with one commenter writing, “Mark Cuban said what needed to be said! Strong women intimidate Trump—that’s why we don’t see him with any!” Another user wrote, “Can you imagine Trump debating a strong, outspoken woman on reproductive rights? He would avoid that at all costs.”
Trump supporters and allies, however, fiercely countered Cuban’s comments, accusing him of misunderstanding Trump’s relationships with female figures in his professional and personal circles. On X, one user noted, “Cuban has it all wrong. Trump has championed women throughout his career, both in his business and his administration.” Another argued that Cuban’s comments were “just another example of out-of-touch Hollywood elites talking down to Trump’s supporters.”
Cuban’s Growing Political Profile
Mark Cuban has been increasingly vocal on political issues in recent years, particularly on subjects like healthcare, economic policy, and women’s rights. A former supporter of Trump in 2016, Cuban has since become critical of the former president, aligning more with figures who advocate bipartisan cooperation and gender equality in public policy. His endorsement of Kamala Harris has added to the pool of high-profile endorsements she’s received from other former Republicans and independents, highlighting a shift among some moderate conservatives.
Pushback From Trump Allies
In response to Cuban’s critique, several Trump allies and former administration officials defended his record on women’s issues. Former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany spoke out on Fox News, saying, “Mark Cuban’s statements don’t reflect reality. President Trump empowered countless women in senior roles throughout his administration.” McEnany cited Trump’s appointments of women to prominent government roles, including former Press Secretary Sarah Sanders and former White House Communications Director Hope Hicks.
The Trump campaign issued a statement that accused Cuban of “Hollywood virtue-signaling” and emphasized Trump’s “record of empowering women in business and politics.”
A Renewed Debate on Trump, Gender, and Influence
Mark Cuban’s comments have rekindled a larger debate on Trump’s approach to gender dynamics. Cuban’s remarks tapped into frustrations held by some voters who feel Trump’s rhetoric on women does not reflect an inclusive or supportive stance. For Cuban’s critics, however, his remarks came off as another example of celebrity figures using their influence to criticize Trump.
As the campaign season continues, Cuban’s comments are likely to remain a talking point, underscoring how gender issues have become a focal point in the lead-up to election day. The backlash on social media and the mixed reactions across platforms underscore the depth of division in public opinion on Trump’s treatment of women, with Cuban’s words adding new fuel to an already intense election season.
Watch his comments below:
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