JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon made headlines during a high-profile event in Dublin, Ireland, by sharply criticizing the Democratic Party and its approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Speaking at a foreign ministry event, in remarks covered by Bloomberg, Dimon did not mince words, declaring, “I have a lot of friends who are Democrats, and they’re idiots. I always say they have big hearts and little brains. They do not understand how the real world works. Almost every single policy rolled out failed.”
Dimon’s remarks may be surprising for their bluntness, and they may cut across his image as a prominent Wall Streeter with ties to Democrats, but Dimon has voiced concerns about the party’s shift toward progressive and populist policies throughout 2024. Dimon has particularly zeroed in on issues he saw as anti-business or impractical. He has also criticized the party’s focus on social issues, arguing that such narratives were misleading and not reflective of economic realities. Over the same period, he has offered measured praise of certain economic policies of Donald Trump, such as tariffs.
Dimon’s DEI Critique
Dimon’s comments extended beyond party politics to the Democrats’ focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI. He argued that the party “overdid DEI,” prioritizing ideology over practical solutions. While reaffirming JPMorgan’s commitment to engaging with various communities, he insisted that the extent of current DEI efforts has become counterproductive. “We all were devoted to reaching out to the Black community, Hispanic, the LGBT community, the disabled — we do all of that. But the extent, they gotta stop it. And they gotta go back to being more practical. They’re very ideological,” he said.
Dimon’s remarks come amid growing tensions within the Democratic Party, especially after the primary victory of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, whom Dimon labeled “more of a Marxist than a socialist.” He warned that Democrats are “falling all over themselves” to support Mamdani’s policies that, in his view, are detached from economic reality, such as rent freezes and city-run grocery stores. He said it showed a continuing lack of seriousness from the party: “There’s the same ideological mush that means nothing in the real world.”
He also criticized the Biden administration for lacking business expertise, stating that former President Joe Biden “didn’t have one businessperson” advising him and expressing disbelief at the administration’s “lack of knowledge.” These echoed comments Dimon made throughout Biden’s tenure that he wasn’t sold on Bidenomics.
Earlier this year, JPMorgan announced it would reduce investment in certain diversity initiatives, reflecting a broader trend among major banks to scale back DEI language and programs in the wake of political and legal shifts in the U.S. At the same time, Dimon described DEI as “good for business” and “morally right.”
Broader Context and Political Backdrop
- Rebranding DEI to DOI: In March 2025, JPMorgan Chase rebranded its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program to “Diversity, Opportunity, and Inclusion” (DOI). The bank stated that the “E” in DEI always stood for “equal opportunity,” not “equal outcomes,” and the new name better reflects this philosophy.
- Reduction in Mandatory Training: JPMorgan has scaled back the number of mandatory diversity-related training programs, opting for a more targeted and streamlined approach. Some activities, councils, or chapters have been consolidated to improve efficiency and engagement.
- Integration of DEI Functions: Instead of a centralized DEI office, diversity initiatives are now distributed across business units such as Human Resources and Corporate Responsibility. This aims to embed inclusion efforts more deeply into core business operations.
- Changes in Public Messaging: JPMorgan has removed or diluted public references to DEI on its website and in annual reports, aligning with broader industry trends and in response to legal and political pressures.
- Legal and Political Pressures: The changes come amid heightened scrutiny from federal agencies and political groups, especially following executive orders from the Trump administration targeting DEI programs in government and federal contractors. JPMorgan’s leadership has cited the need to comply with “current laws and regulations” as a key reason for the shift.
- Merit-Based Commitment: In internal memos, COO Jenn Piepszak emphasized that JPMorgan’s hiring, compensation, and promotion practices are merit-based, with no illegal quotas or pay incentives. The bank asserts it would never turn someone away because of their political or religious beliefs, or identity.
Industry and Political Reaction
Dimon’s blunt assessment comes with Democrats in disarray after the 2024 election and locked out of the presidency and both houses of Congress. The primary victory of Mamdani, the New York City-based politician who identifies as a Democratic Socialist, had prompted many business leaders to voice similar concerns about the direction of Democratic policy. Because of Dimon’s previously close ties to the Democrats, his criticism may sting more because he was long seen as a member of the party.
Early and Mid-Career: Democratic Leanings
- 1989–2009: Jamie Dimon primarily donated to Democratic candidates and committees, establishing himself as a long-time Democrat.
- Obama Era: Dimon was once dubbed “Obama’s favorite banker” and maintained close ties with several Obama officials, though he often disagreed with the administration.
Public Statements and Self-Description
- 2012: Dimon described himself as “barely a Democrat,” reflecting a centrist, business-friendly stance that sometimes put him at odds with the party’s progressive wing.
- 2019: He famously said, “My heart is Democratic but my brain is kind of Republican,” highlighting his blend of social consciousness and fiscal pragmatism.
Political Donations: Bipartisan but Democratic-Tilted
- Donations: While the majority of Dimon’s political contributions have gone to Democrats, he has also donated to select Republicans, especially in recent years.
- Recent Years: Contributions include donations to both Democratic and Republican candidates, such as Kyrsten Sinema (D), Jon Tester (D), Joni Ernst (R), and French Hill (R).
Recent Political Positioning
- 2020s: Dimon has become increasingly critical of both major parties, expressing frustration with the Democrats’ ideological drift and the Republicans’ embrace of populism.
- 2023–2024: He publicly preferred Nikki Haley over Donald Trump for the Republican nomination and, while not endorsing any candidate, was reported to privately support Kamala Harris over Trump in the 2024 election.
For this story, Fortune used generative AI to help with an initial draft. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing.
