U.S. News
Mark Cuban Claims He’s Found a Major ‘Weakness’ in Elon Musk
By Jake Beardslee · April 1, 2025
Cuban Criticizes Musk’s Empathy and Cost-Cutting Approach
One of Musk’s most vocal critics is fellow billionaire Mark Cuban. In a recent episode of the political podcast "Somebody’s Gotta Win with Tara Palmeri," Cuban questioned Musk’s empathy and suitability to lead DOGE. “He’s proven that that’s his weakness — not having empathy,” Cuban said. He criticized Musk’s strategy of aggressive cost-cutting, suggesting it comes at the expense of vulnerable populations who rely on government services. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Mark Cuban Blasts Musk’s Leadership
Cuban referenced Musk’s appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, where Musk lamented what he called “civilizational suicidal empathy” in the United States. While Musk did say “you should care about other people,” Cuban argued that Musk’s actions say otherwise. If Musk “truly cared” about taxpayers, Cuban said, he would refuse government subsidies for Tesla, sell his satellite internet service Starlink at cost, and refrain from profiting off missions like SpaceX’s recent astronaut rescue. Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Cuban Claims: DOGE’s Reforms Are Disrupting Social Security
Musk has described DOGE as “tech support” for the federal government—aimed at updating outdated systems. But Cuban said Musk’s brand of “tech support” is dismantling essential services before suitable alternatives are in place. He pointed to ongoing disruptions at the Social Security Administration, which DOGE is trying to overhaul. The changes, Cuban claimed, are hurting people who need the system the most. “You don’t just make it more difficult for them. You implement things that allow them to access the system. That’s just normal in any system conversion,” he said, calling it “tech 101.” Geoff Burke-Imagn Images