Mark Cuban Would Still Have Dinner With Donald Trump

Back in May, Mark Cuban appeared in his last episode of ABC’s Shark Tank after spending more than a decade on the show investing in—or deprecating—entrepreneurs’ big ideas.

But that doesn’t mean the billionaire is going away. In fact, he’s arguably more everywhere than ever. He’s showing up on TV, posting on Bluesky, and yammering away on podcasts almost daily. Yes, Cuban loves to talk—about ideas, about the future, about what it takes to actually make America healthy again. Or, at least, to get Americans more affordable drugs, which Cuban is endeavoring to do with his startup, Cost Plus Drug Company.

Nor does Cuban, like many billionaire businessmen, shy away from talking politics: Does he like President Trump? Doesn’t seem like it. But would he join the president for dinner like so many of his peers have in recent months? With enthusiasm, according to a conversation we had for this week’s episode of The Big Interview. Keep reading to find out why.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

KATIE DRUMMOND: Just so you know—well it's too late now—we always start these conversations with some rapid-fire questions. Like a warm-up.

MARK CUBAN: Let's warm up. I am ready.

Alright. What is the smartest investment you ever made?

Myself.

What's the dumbest purchase you ever made?

Um, a lot of alcohol.

Do you still drink?

No.

Alright, one word to describe the startup pitches that you hate.

Self-absorbed.

Would you rather invest in passion or in numbers?

Numbers.

After health care, what's the next industry ripe for disruption, whether by you or somebody?

Education.

Tell me a little bit about why.

The whole thing is built on accreditation, which is ridiculous in and of itself, as opposed to outcomes. And it's because those accreditation organizations have got so much power there. It influences the structure of universities in particular, and that structure has led to over-emphasis on administrative positions as opposed to actual teaching.

It's also allowed cost creep, so that they become, rather than educational institutions, sports institutions that also happen to teach. I think that there’s a great way to teach kids that allows them to learn, that feeds their curiosity, without all the extraneous shit.

So are you doing it or what?

No. I mean, I've talked about it many times, but health care comes first.