JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon is known for shying away from controversy, even when it comes to controversy.
Dimon raised eyebrows by agreeing with former President Donald Trump on certain issues and supporting Elon Musk’s call to create a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the next administration. This praise comes from a man who describes himself as “hardly a Democrat.”
Despite his outspoken personality, Mr. Dimon has publicly denied any political ambitions and has avoided supporting Kamala Harris or Mr. Trump in the upcoming election.
But Mr. Dimon’s opinion carries weight, and his support could have a significant impact on JPMorgan’s 300,000 employees.
That’s why a New York Times report suggesting Dimon personally supports Harris over Trump attracted attention.
The newspaper, citing three anonymous sources, claims that Mr. Dimon would consider a role similar to Treasury secretary in the Harris administration.
The report also suggests that Dimon has criticized President Trump, particularly his refusal to concede in the 2020 election. But Mr. Dimon is reportedly cautious about making his views public, fearing a potential backlash if Mr. Trump wins.
While the Harris campaign may welcome rumors of Dimon’s support, these claims contradict Dimon’s past public statements.
When asked for comment, JPMorgan referred Fortune to comments from Joseph Evangelisti, the company’s head of global communications.
Evangelisti responded to the report by saying Dimon “has never publicly endorsed a presidential candidate, but he speaks forcefully and frequently about policies that strengthen our country and uplift our communities.” .
“His comments are often used as weapons by the left and right in influencing politics and politicians, and are not constructive in solving our country’s biggest problems.”
Mr. Dimon does not endorse any candidate.
Despite the Trump campaign’s false claims that Dimon, a Harvard Business School graduate, is endorsing Republican candidates, the JPMorgan CEO has so far not taken sides. Deliberately avoiding expressing opinions.
In a Washington Post opinion column published in August, Mr. Dimon explicitly focused on what he wanted the next president to do, rather than specifying who he wanted him to be. I guessed.
“We need to elect a president who is dedicated to the ideals that define and unite us, and who is committed to restoring faith in America and our essential role in the world,” he wrote.
In an interview with Bloomberg TV earlier this month, Dimon said he would vote for either candidate as an American citizen and made it clear he was not interested in private support.
“I will decide and vote,” he said. “I reserve the right to do whatever I want, I am a citizen, I can vote, I can say what I want. I have never personally supported any candidate. …I think carefully about what I want to say and what I want to do.”
Political rumors: flattering or annoying?
Dimon’s name has been thrown into a number of political roles, from serving in other presidents’ administrations to running his own, spurred by news that he will step down as head of JP within five years. mentioned in connection.
When asked earlier this month if he was considering running for office, he replied: There was no chance, and there was no way he could do that. It’s kind of flattering, but I just want to help the government do the right thing. ”
But does this offer of unrestricted “assistance” mean Dimon will consider a role in the White House? Again, it’s an idea he was rejected.
The CEO said in an April interview with the Wall Street Journal that he was paid $36 million for the job in 2023, saying, “I wouldn’t be the Fed chairman, I wouldn’t want to be the Treasury secretary. I don’t think that will ever happen.” That’s why I chose it. ”
