Donald Trump's stance on same-sex marriage shut down when CNN host asks: 'What’s traditional about being married three times?'

'That's a very good point'

Real estate mogul and TV personality Donald Trump makes a point as he formally announces his campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination (Reuters)

Donald Trump’s refusal to explicitly back same-sex marriage on the basis that he only supports "traditional" unions was quickly undermined when a CNN host asked him exactly what was traditional about marrying three times.

The outspoken business magnate would only say he backed "traditional marriage" when asked what his stance was on gay and lesbian marriage by journalist Jake Tapper.

The question is all the more pertinent considering Trump is hoping to be the next Republican president in a country that has legalised marriage equality in all 50 states. The interview was conducted just before Friday's Supreme Court ruling.

“What do you say to a lesbian," asked Tapper, "who’s married or a gay man who’s married who says, ‘Donald Trump, what’s traditional about being married three times?'"

Trump could only respond: “They have a very good point.

"But I’ve been a very hard-working person, and I have a great marriage and a great wife now. My [first] two wives were very good, but I was working - maybe like you - 22 hours a day.

"My business was just so powerful to me, and I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”

Watch the exchange here: