United States President Donald Trump recently sparked controversy after using a term that many consider to be anti-Semitic. During a press briefing aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed he was unaware of the negative connotations associated with the word “Shylock,” which he used to describe unscrupulous bankers. This incident has raised eyebrows due to the term's origins in the 16th-century play The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, where Shylock is depicted as a Jewish moneylender, a character often viewed as a stereotype of greed and exploitation.
In his remarks, Trump stated, “No, I’ve never heard it that way. To be Shylock is somebody that, say, a money lender at high rates. You view it differently than me. I’ve never heard that.” The incident occurred while Trump was visiting Iowa for the launch of his “America250” celebration series, a series of events leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
During his speech at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Trump touted his recent legislative success with the passage of his signature budget mega-bill, which he refers to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The House of Representatives had approved a revised version of the bill in a narrow party-line vote of 218 to 214, despite concerns that it would increase the national deficit and cut vital social safety-net programs like Medicaid.
Trump emphasized the bill's benefits, asserting that it would allow the continuation of his 2017 tax cuts and raise exemptions under the estate tax. He remarked to the crowd, “Think of that: no death tax, no estate tax, no going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker and, in some cases, Shylocks and bad people.” This statement drew immediate criticism from various quarters.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organization dedicated to combating anti-Semitism, condemned Trump's use of the term. They highlighted its long-standing history as a slur, stating, “The term ‘Shylock’ evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous. President Trump’s use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible.” The ADL emphasized the importance of language used by leaders, insisting that words carry weight and should be chosen with care.
This incident is not the first time Trump has faced allegations of anti-Semitism. On the first day of his second term, then-ally Elon Musk delivered a speech that included a gesture many interpreted as a Nazi salute. Trump has also been criticized for hosting a dinner at his Mar-a-Lago estate with figures like white nationalist Nick Fuentes and rapper Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), both of whom have been accused of promoting anti-Semitic views. Furthermore, Trump received backlash for his comments regarding the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he stated that there were “very fine people on both sides,” despite the presence of white supremacists chanting anti-Semitic slogans.
Despite these controversies, Trump has positioned himself as a defender against anti-Semitism, particularly in his campaigns against Harvard University and other academic institutions where pro-Palestinian protests have occurred. Critics argue that his actions are an attempt to stifle free speech and academic freedom, raising questions about the balance between free expression and combating hate.
Interestingly, Trump is not the only recent president to face criticism for using the term “Shylock.” His predecessor, Joe Biden, faced backlash after using the term to describe bankers who pursued foreclosures against military members deployed overseas. In a 2022 statement, Biden mentioned, “these Shylocks that took advantage of these women and men while overseas.” Following the backlash, Biden acknowledged his mistake, stating, “It was a poor choice of words.”
As the discourse around anti-Semitism continues to evolve, it remains crucial for public figures, especially those in leadership roles, to be mindful of the language they use and its potential implications.
