Background
Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has suggested that JPMorgan Chase & Co CEO Jamie Dimon should run for the US presidency in the upcoming elections. Dimon had previously expressed an interest in pursuing public office, and Ackman believes that he would be an exemplary leader for the country.
Ackman’s Statement
During an interview with Bloomberg TV, Dimon was asked about his potential interest in public office, to which he replied that he loves his country and may serve in some capacity in the future. Ackman then tweeted his support for Dimon, stating that he can’t imagine a better time for him to run for president.
Dimon’s Political Views
Dimon is known for his centrist political views, supporting pro-business and pro-free enterprise policies while also advocating for well-designed social programs and rational tax policies to help the less fortunate. Former President Bill Clinton has even stated that Dimon would be good in politics if he ever decided to leave banking.
Speculations and Past Remarks
There have been speculations about Dimon potentially running for president in the future, with reports of him hypothetically campaigning against former President Donald Trump in 2018. However, Dimon later walked back on those comments, stating that he would not make a good politician.
Ackman’s Retirement and Recent Activities
Ackman, who runs Pershing Square Capital Management, has been using Twitter more extensively since announcing his retirement from „vocal“ activist investing. He has recently weighed in on the banking crisis and urged the US to raise FDIC insurance to shore up confidence.
Dimon’s Current Activities
Currently, Dimon is on his first visit to China since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.