Mark Cuban forced to play nice with President Trump after agreeing to be business partners

May 19, 2026 - 01:07

Billionaire Mark Cuban stood alongside President Donald Trump at the White House this week to promote TrumpRx.gov, a new initiative aimed at lowering prescription drug prices. The appearance marked a sharp turn for Cuban, who spent months on the campaign trail attacking Trump and publicly endorsing Kamala Harris for president.

Cuban, known for his blunt style on Shark Tank and his ownership of the Dallas Mavericks, had been one of Trump's most vocal critics during the 2024 election cycle. He called Trump unfit for office and warned voters about his policies. Now, Cuban is acting as a business partner with the very man he tried to defeat.

The event itself was cordial. Cuban stood behind Trump as the president outlined plans to use federal purchasing power to negotiate lower drug costs. Cuban's company, Cost Plus Drugs, which sells generic medications at low markups, will likely play a role in the new platform. Neither man mentioned their past clashes during the press conference.

Critics were quick to call Cuban a hypocrite. Supporters said he was putting policy over politics. Cuban himself did not address the change of heart directly, but he posted a short message on social media saying he would work with anyone to help Americans afford medicine.

The partnership is a reminder that in business, yesterday's enemy can become today's ally. Whether voters will forgive Cuban for the flip-flop remains to be seen.