Jamie Dimon for Treasury Secretary: The Idea That Never Fades

Blockbuster videos were flying off the shelves, Walmart was about to launch a website, and Wall Street was buzzing over what would become of the dark-haired banking whiz recently fired from Citigroup. It was 1999, and rumors were percolating for the first time that Jamie Dimon was gliding toward a cabinet post in the next presidential administration.

Dimon’s chaotic orbit with Washington has spun onward in the 25 years since. No presidential race is complete without politicos floating his name, most often for Treasury secretary. In a twist, this year it has come from both sides of the aisle. The chatter is so endless that inside JPMorgan Chase & Co., where Dimon serves as chief executive officer, new mentions are often met with skepticism, viewed at least in part as candidates or their proxies virtue-signaling as they seek donations and votes. What better way to demonstrate a moderate, business-friendly interest in Wall Street’s priorities than to drop the name of the industry’s statesman?