Factbox: Stances of Ackman, Dimon, and Soros on Presidential Candidates Trump and Harris

Wall Street’s Divided Support Ahead of the Presidential Election

As the November presidential election approaches, the race between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican opponent Donald Trump is intensifying. Influential figures on Wall Street are making their preferences known. Here’s a closer look at how some prominent financial leaders are aligning themselves.

Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman announced his support for Trump shortly after the former president was injured during a rally. This marks a significant departure from Ackman’s stance in January 2021, when he urged Trump to resign following the Capitol insurrection. Although Ackman has recently spent time with Trump at a fundraiser, he did not elaborate on his change of heart. Additionally, he contributed $1 million to Congressman Dean Phillips’ primary challenge against President Joe Biden.

Roger Altman, Co-Founder of Evercore

Longtime Democratic donor Roger Altman expressed his support for Kamala Harris during a July interview. He emphasized that financial resources would not determine the outcome of this election, suggesting both campaigns would have ample funding.

Marc Andreessen, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz

Marc Andreessen, a noted Silicon Valley venture capitalist, has shifted his support toward Trump, particularly due to the former president’s technology policies. While he has historically backed Democrats, he informed his employees of his donations to Trump-affiliated Political Action Committees. His team declined to provide additional details.

Scott Bessent, CEO of Key Square Capital Management

Hedge fund manager Scott Bessent has emerged as an informal adviser to Trump’s campaign and is considered a potential Treasury secretary if Trump secures victory. He has discussed U.S. debt management with Trump, asserting that this election cycle is crucial for economic recovery.

Leadership at Blackstone

Stephen Schwarzman, the CEO of private equity firm Blackstone, has openly endorsed Trump, contributing over $419,000 to Trump’s Political Action Committee. Conversely, Blackstone’s president, Jonathan Gray, has lent financial support to Harris’ campaign.

Mark Cuban, Billionaire Entrepreneur

Mark Cuban has thrown his support behind Harris, applauding her tax policy and dedication to entrepreneurship. He is actively encouraging cryptocurrency leaders to back the vice president, citing her open-minded approach as essential to America’s economic success.

Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase

Jamie Dimon, typically a Democratic supporter, called for a presidential candidate who can "restore faith in America" in a recent column. However, he refrained from endorsing either candidate explicitly.

Blair Effron, Co-Founder at Centerview Partners

Blair Effron remains a steadfast supporter of Harris, having previously backed her during the 2020 election cycle and praising her leadership qualities.

Ken Griffin, CEO of Citadel

Ken Griffin, a prominent Republican donor, has historically expressed hesitation regarding Trump. He has declared that his current efforts are focused on supporting Republican congressional candidates rather than Trump’s campaign.

Marc Lasry, CEO of Avenue Capital Group

Marc Lasry, a prominent Democratic fundraiser, is supporting Harris once again for the 2024 election, with plans for fundraising events alongside his wife.

Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald

Howard Lutnick has connections with Trump spanning decades and has hosted fundraisers for him. He remains involved, potentially facilitating connections for a second Trump administration.

Peter Orszag and Ray McGuire from Lazard

Both executives at Lazard have shown personal support for Harris, with Orszag’s prior government experience under Democratic administrations influencing his stance.

John Paulson, Billionaire Investor

Longtime Trump supporter John Paulson has remained engaged in supporting Trump since the 2016 campaign, focusing on issues like energy policy and the U.S. trade deficit.

Paul Singer, Founder of Elliott Investment Management

Paul Singer, a significant Republican donor, initially opposed Trump but recently met with him to discuss campaign donations, although he has not publicly confirmed his support.

Tom Steyer, Billionaire Financier

Tom Steyer, a climate activist and former Democratic candidate, endorsed Harris, citing her track record and commitment to the rule of law.

Alex and George Soros, Investors

Alex Soros, alongside his father, George, endorsed Harris after Joe Biden exited the race, emphasizing the need to unite against Trump.

Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest

Cathie Wood, a major figure in the crypto industry, endorsed Trump before Biden left the race, highlighting economic considerations in her decision-making process.

Jeffrey Yass, Investor

Jeffrey Yass, a significant contributor to Republican causes, has donated over $70 million during this election cycle, advocating for educational reforms and policies favoring student choice, though he has not specifically contributed to Trump’s campaign.

As the election nears, the split support among Wall Street’s elite reflects the significant stakes involved and the varied priorities shaping their political leanings.