Billionaire Mark Cuban and former President Donald Trump clashed Thursday in a heated exchange of words, with Cuban criticizing Trump for not being “around strong, intelligent women” and later apologizing. In response, Trump hit back at Truth Social, labeling Cuban a “loser” and “very weak”, and calling his comments on women ‘completely unacceptable’.
Cuban comments
The exchange began when Cuban claimed on The View that Trump avoids “strong, intelligent women.” Cuban commented, “Donald Trump, you never see him around strong, intelligent women.” “He doesn’t like to be challenged by them, and, you know, [Nikki Haley] Will talk to him about his bullshit about reproductive rights and how he views women, how he treats them, and how he talks about them. I mean, he can’t keep her around, it won’t work,” he added.
Trump’s campaign responds
Trump’s campaign responded on social media. Trump’s national press secretary, Carolyn Leavitt, described Cuban’s comments as “extremely offensive” to Trump’s female supporters, staffers, and female voters. “These women are mothers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders. And yes, we are strong and wise! #WomenForTrump,” Levitt tweeted.
Supporter defends Trump
Susie Wills, Trump’s campaign co-manager, posted on Twitter, “I’m told @MCuban needs help identifying the strong and intelligent women surrounding the President. Trump. Well, here we are! I am proud to lead this campaign.” He also highlighted other prominent Trump supporters, including Trump transition policy chair Linda McMahon and RNC co-chair Lara Trump.
Trump criticized Cuba
A few hours later, Trump personally attacked Cuban on Truth Social, calling him a “really stupid guy.” “All women are great, whether they’re strong or not,” Trump wrote. He called Cuba a “fool.”
Cuba clarified its comments
Cuban has issued a clarification regarding his comment statement, emphasizing that he does not believe that female voters or women associated with Trump lack intelligence or strength. Cuban also acknowledged the presence of strong women who have worked closely with Trump.
Cuba apologized
Following the backlash, Cuban issued an apology on Twitter clarifying his comments. Cuban wrote, “When I said this during the interview, I didn’t express it exactly how I intended.” “So I apologize to anyone who felt insulted or upset by my response. As I said, this wasn’t about Trump voters, supporters or employees. Cuban said he regretted setting himself up “for a 6-second soundbite” and expressed hope for a more respectful public discussion.
Trump rejects Cuba’s apology
However, Trump rejected Cuba’s apology in a subsequent Truth Social post. “Complete loser Mark Cuban is being destroyed by women all over the country,” Trump wrote. He wrote, calling Cuba’s apology “useless”. Trump claimed that Cuban was “a bad man with major character flaws” and said that Cuban was “very weak and vulnerable”. He further accused Cuban of supporting Kamala Harris because he no longer accepts his calls.
The controversy highlights tense rhetoric as Trump campaigns for another term in office and both sides compete for the support of female voters.
