Mark Cuban: Trump's Silicon Valley backers believe they can 'manipulate' him

Investor and television personality Mark Cuban told The Hill on Tuesday the Silicon Valley leaders who are shifting to the right and backing former President Trump could be doing so with hopes of "manipulating" the former president on policy if he is reelected.

Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks minority owner and "Shark Tank" judge, has emerged as one of Vice President Harris's most visible surrogates, while a number of other tech leaders have rallied around Trump, showcasing an increasing divide in Silicon Valley.

"I'm guessing they believe they can manipulate him [Trump] on policy,' Cuban told The Hill Tuesday. "The former president has zero understanding of technology. Nor does he deep dive into any policy. I believe once they gain his trust, he will do what they ask on matters important to them."

Cuban's involvement with the Harris campaign has significantly ramped up this month, from appearances on the campaign trail to speaking with the media to tout the vice president's platform.

He told The Hill he chose to increase his political activity given the closeness of the race between Harris and Trump. A polling index by The Hill and Decision Desk HQ showed Harris with a 0.9 percent lead over Trump on Tuesday.

His role in the Harris campaign does not necessarily come as a surprise, as it follows years of criticism of the former president, who has snapped back at the billionaire entrepreneur as recently as this month.

“Mark Cuban is a Loser. Wouldn’t take his phone calls anymore while at the White House, and he went rogue,” Trump wrote on Truth Social after Cuban appeared on "Real Time with Bill Maher" and criticized his rhetoric about using the military against political opponents.

"A weak and pathetic 'bully,' he’s got nothing going. Really low clubhead speed, a total non-athlete!” he added.

His involvement comes as several Silicon Valley leaders make a rightward shift, either voicing their support for Trump or making contact with his campaign in the final weeks of the election.

Among those backing Trump include Elon Musk, who has taken a front-seat role in the former president's campaign, from stumping in Pennsylvania to leading a controversial super PAC giveaway for registered swing state voters.

Other tech leaders are staying on the sidelines of the election, but appear to be bracing for Trump's return.

Apple's Tim Cook, Google's Sundar Pichai and Amazon's Andy Jassy made calls to the former president in recent weeks, in an apparent attempt to mend fences and build good will with Trump. Last week, leaders from the Jeff Bezos-owned aerospace company Blue Origin met with Trump.

Cuban, who has been a longtime supporter of the cryptocurrency industry, said over the summer that Silicon Valley's increased support for Trump could be a "play" to boost bitcoin.

“Here is a contrary opinion on the emergence of Silicon Valley support for former President Trump. Which like all my opinions on here, probably won’t be popular,” Cuban wrote in a post on the social platform X in July. “It’s a bitcoin play.”

“What will drive the price of BTC is lower tax rates and tariffs, which if history is any guide (and it’s not always), will be inflationary,” he added. “Combine that with global uncertainty as to the geopolitical role of the USA, and the impact on the US Dollar as a reserve currency, and you can’t align the stars any better for a BTC price acceleration.”

The crypto industry has increasingly shifted towards Trump amid ongoing frustrations with the Biden administration's approach to digital asset regulation.

Cuban told The Hill on Tuesday he is encouraged by Harris's willingness to listen to a variety of perspectives.

"Kamala has been very transparent about the fact she is open minded and will listen to Republicans independents like me and others. She doesn’t base who she speaks to on loyalty. She looks for diverse feedback before making a pragmatic decision," Cuban said.

The investor said he believes Harris will make a "better president" than Trump, but is not seeking a "job" in a hypothetical Harris White House.

"I’ve always been happy to share the benefit of my experience with whoever is in office. That won’t change," he said.

The Hill reached out to the Trump campaign for further comment.