Mark Cuban says Donald Trump's main business talent is to 'put his name on big buildings'


There's been lots of speculation about Donald Trump's wealth, because his self-proclaimed $10 billion, apparent proof of his business acumen and negotiation skills, is at the center of his presidential campaign pitch, and because he won't release his tax returns. On Wednesday's Bernie & Sid Show, on WABC radio, Mark Cuban voiced his own doubts about Trump's wealth. Cuban, a billionaire investor and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, began by noting that he sticks to businesses he knows he's good at, mostly tech deals.
"I'm not so sure Donald knows what he's not good at," Cuban said. "What he's done well is put his name on big buildings, right? He appears to have done well putting his name through a licensing arrangement on hotels and buildings. He's good at that. Now, whether or not that's made him a billionaire, I don't know. You know, he's not transparent enough for us to really know." Later, Cuban said he gives Trump "a lot of credit" for his real estate instincts. "I don't think he's very good at brands for non-real estate products," he added, calling Trump Steaks, Trump Water, and other branding ventures "more of a reflection of desperation." With Trump Steaks, for instance, "I asked him, What the hell are you doing?" Cuban said. "Are you that desperate for money?"
When asked on Wednesday's show if he or Trump is wealthier, Cuban said Trump is much poorer. "We know without any question that as of May 27, Donald doesn't have more than $165 million in cash and securities and bonds," Cuban said. "I'm willing to bet, dimes against dollars, that's pretty much what he's got." You can listen to the interview below. The part about Trump and money starts at about the 4:55 mark:
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Cuban says he was rooting for Trump over Ted Cruz but has been disappointed by Trump's lack of knowledge and interest in policy. And lest you think this was just Cuban auditioning to be Hillary Clinton's running mate, he had some unkind words for her, too: "Hillary's got no personality whatsoever, and that's a big part of it. No charisma whatsoever. And she'll admit, she's a lousy candidate."
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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
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