(Mark Cuban.Joshua Roberts/Reuters)
Billionaire businessman Mark Cuban spent the better part of two days railing on President Donald Trump for rushing to push through an executive order that temporarily banned travel into the United States from seven Muslim-majority nations. The measure has sparked nationwide chaos at airports and leading to massive protests across the country.
Cuban, the star of ABC's "Shark Tank" and owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks who was a prominent surrogate for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, came out stronger against Trump's decision than almost any tech or business leader.
Cuban posted in a lengthy tweetstorm that Trump "has shown no ability to lead, build consensus, or demonstrate understanding of issues" and "no leader ignores the fears of those who question him/her. Obama tried, but failed for many. [Trump] isn't even trying to alleviate fears."
Trump "fans will accept his decrees," Cuban posted. "It requires leadership to demonstrate to the rest of the country/world that he understands our issues."
He also blasted Trump for saying he would "bring the country together" but, in reality, "doing the exact opposite right now."
"I'm not sure he realizes how divisive he is," the billionaire mogul added.
The executive order imposed a temporary, 90-day suspension of travel from Sudan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Somalia, Yemen, and Libya. It also suspended refugees from entering the country for a 120-day timeframe.
The order included a ban of those who hold legal residency in the US — known as holding a green card — which led to widespread confusion at major airports over the weekend, leading to legal residents being detained. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly on Sunday ordered green-card holders from the countries to be allowed into the US.
Federal judges in four states issued a temporary stay preventing authorities from deporting travelers who were stuck in airports because of the order, but the long-term legality of it remains unclear.
"We already know Google, Microsoft, and other tech companies have had their businesses disrupted and have had to deal with 7 country ban," Cuban posted, adding, "how many other businesses, large and small are having to deal with disruptions to the lives of employees and their families?"
"Let's not forget the disruptions and costs to airports, airlines and police depts that had no idea this was coming," he continued. "And as [Trump] noted, FAKE PASSPORTS are a real issue. So just how effective will this ban be? How fast will bad guys react?"
He called on his followers to "partner" with conservative groups to which Trump pays attention to "change what is happening."