Mark Cuban tore into Donald Trump’s claim that he could self-fund his presidential bid after newly released campaign finance filings revealed abysmal fundraising numbers.
If @realDonaldTrump were fractionally as rich as he says he is,he would write a$200mm check to propel his campaign. He doesn't have the cash
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) June 21, 2016
Cuban launched his criticisms as Trump moved to downplay the Federal Election Commission report showing that his campaign entered June with less than $1.3 million cash on hand.
Hillary Clinton's campaign began the month with $42 million, and was out-raising Trump nine-to-one.
Cuban predicted earlier this month that Trump would "have to grovel" for donations as he moved into the general, arguing that the presumptive GOP nominee would be more "beholden" to donors than Clinton.
1) I expect @realDonaldTrump to try to calm down. He doesn't have the cash to fund his campaign, he needs to appease donors quickly
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) June 8, 2016
2) he had less than 165mm in cash and falling for a campaign that will cost 750mm or more. He will have to grovel for that cash and will
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) June 8, 2016
3) the real fun/drama will come from all the "hidden" videos from his private fundraisers. He will say what they want to hear. Get ready !
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) June 8, 2016
4)the real "index" for this election will be RNC vs DNC fundraising.RNC will need less $ for POTUS but much more downstream to counter Trump
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) June 8, 2016
5) the reality is that @realDonaldTrump will be MORE beholden to donors than @HillaryClinton because his fund raising is so far behind
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) June 8, 2016
The billionaire "Shark Tank" judge later criticized Trump during an interview with Extra where he gave the business mogul credit for becoming "stupider" as the campaign rolls along.
"It’s rare that you see someone get stupider before your eyes, but he’s really working at it…You have to give him credit. It’s a difficult thing to do, but he’s accomplished it."
In two separate interviews Tuesday, Trump maintained that he could pour his own cash into the general election if necessary.
"I have a lot of cash and I can do like I did with the other," Trump said on Fox News, referencing his primary bid. "Just spend money on myself and go happily along, and I think I win that way."