The recent use of the term “Shylock” by former President Donald Trump has sparked immediate backlash from prominent Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). In a statement released on X, the ADL condemned Trump's comments, highlighting the term's connection to a historical antisemitic stereotype. The statement read, “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. Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States.”
In addition to the ADL, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, a progressive advocacy organization, also criticized Trump's remarks. They asserted in their statement that the president's use of the term “Shylock” was intentional, stating, “This is not an accident. Shylock is among the most quintessential antisemitic stereotypes. This follows years in which President Trump has normalized antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories — and it’s deeply dangerous.”
Despite the widespread condemnation, Trump defended his choice of words, claiming ignorance regarding the term's negative connotations. “I’ve never heard it that way,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One early Friday morning. “To me, Shylock is somebody that’s a moneylender at high rates. I’ve never heard it that way. You view it differently than me.” The White House has yet to address the ADL’s statement directly.
The term “Shylock” originates from William Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice, where Shylock is portrayed as a Jewish character embodying negative stereotypes about Jewish people and their perceived relationship with money. In the play, Shylock is depicted as an unscrupulous moneylender who demands a pound of flesh from a debtor, reinforcing harmful narratives about Jewish villainy and greed.
This incident is not the first time Trump has faced criticism for perpetuating antisemitic tropes. In 2015, he made controversial remarks at an event with Jewish donors, suggesting they were looking to control a politician, which raised eyebrows and drew ire. He has also commented on Jewish Americans voting for Democrats, implying that such votes could be seen as a form of “disloyalty.” Additionally, Trump faced significant backlash after hosting known white nationalist and Holocaust revisionist Nick Fuentes at his Mar-a-Lago residence in 2022.
Amid these controversies, Trump has also voiced his intention to combat what he describes as rampant antisemitism in higher education during his second term. His administration has targeted universities where students have engaged in protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza, aiming to address what he perceives as a growing issue of antisemitism on campuses.
