Dimon on Trump Victory: Shows Voters' Economic 'Frustration'

In a message to employees Wednesday morning, JPMorgan Chase Chief Executive Jamie Dimon said the election of Donald Trump as president reflects a "deep desire for change."

Drawing a comparison to the populist waves that have recently swept Europe, Dimon said that the results send a clear message about the economic challenges — and lack of opportunities — facing voters across the country.

"We have heard through democratic processes in both Europe and the United States the frustration that so many people have with the lack of economic opportunity and the challenges they face," Dimon said. "We need to listen to those voices."

Trump's victory — which shocked the political establishment — had undertones of the surprise vote by U.K. voters in June to leave the European Union. Dimon, notably, warned U.K. voters in the lead-up to the referendum that leaving the EU bloc could create years of economic uncertainty

In the memo, Dimon did not specifically address what the results of the election mean for JPMorgan — or for the industry as a whole. He did, however, say that the company will continue to support its communities and focus on public policy issues "underlying the economic challenges throughout the world."

Dimon — who has previously backed Democrats but this year did not endorse Hillary Clinton, though he had hinted he thought she would win — also struck an optimistic tone, saying that the country must now put aside its differences and recognize that diversity is the "core strength" of the nation.

He also called on civic leaders to address the problems stemming from the recent period of sluggish economic growth.

"Leaders from across the public, private and nonprofit sectors need to collaborate to find meaningful solutions that create economic growth and greater opportunity for all," he said.

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