Kristi Noem challenges Mark Cuban after anti-Trump remark: ‘Game on, buddy’

PIERRE, S.D. (TNND) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem issued a challenge to billionaire Mark Cuban on Thursday over a comment he made about women associated with former President Donald Trump.

Cuban told ABC’s The View on Thursday that former President Trump is “intimidated” by strong women, going as far as saying the former president doesn’t associate with women who fit that description.

“Donald Trump, you never see him around strong, intelligent women, ever. It’s just that simple, they’re intimidating to him.He doesn’t like to be challenged by them,” Cuban said.

The remark sparked outrage among high-profile Republican woman such as Gov. Noem, who is supporting Trump in the upcoming presidential election. Gov. Noem posted a video reply to Cuban’s statement on social media.

“Game on, buddy. I’ll take you on any day in a debate or maybe even arm wrestling,” Gov. Noem said.

Cuban is a vocal advocate for Vice President Kamala Harris. The billionaire has made several recent media appearances, including his Thursday appearance on The View, touting her campaign and criticizing Trump.

“I actually started off supporting Donald, and then I got to know him better,” Cuban told former presidential candidateVivek Ramaswamy in an August interview. “I was like, ‘he’s great, he’s not a typical Stepford candidate.’ I thought that was a positive.”

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., also criticized Cuban on social media Thursday, accusing the “left” of insulting “anyone who disagrees with them.”

“Strong, intelligent & independent women don’t need Mark Cuban or anyone else in Kamala’s Camp to tell them how to think,” Rep.Malliotakis wrote in a social media post.

Cuban has said in the past he is politically independent and is not a member of the Democratic Party.

Got a story idea or news tip? Email Julian Baron at jtbaron@sbgtv.com.