Fact Check: Trump's use of 'shylock' is an antisemitic slur.

Published July 4, 2025

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# Fact Check: Trump's Use of 'Shylock' is an Antisemitic Slur ## What We Know During a recent speech in Des Moines, Iowa, President Donald Trump refe...

Fact Check: Trump's Use of 'Shylock' is an Antisemitic Slur

What We Know

During a recent speech in Des Moines, Iowa, President Donald Trump referred to some bankers as "shylocks" while discussing his domestic policy bill. This term, derived from a character in William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, is widely recognized as an antisemitic slur that perpetuates negative stereotypes about Jewish people as greedy moneylenders (NBC News). The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has condemned the term, stating it evokes a "centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous" (Independent).

In response to questions about the antisemitic implications of his language, Trump claimed he was unaware of the term's connotations, stating, “I’ve never heard it that way” and defining "shylock" as simply a "money lender at high rates" (PBS). This incident has drawn criticism from various Jewish leaders and organizations, who argue that such language from a prominent political figure is harmful and normalizes antisemitic stereotypes (Newsweek).

Analysis

The term "shylock" has a long history of being associated with negative stereotypes of Jewish people, particularly in the context of money lending. The character Shylock in The Merchant of Venice is often depicted as a villainous figure, reinforcing harmful views about Jews and finance (Independent). Critics, including Amy Spitalnick of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, have highlighted that Trump's use of the term is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of normalizing antisemitic rhetoric (NBC News).

The ADL's condemnation of Trump's remarks underscores the seriousness of the issue, noting that such language can perpetuate dangerous stereotypes and contribute to a culture of antisemitism (Independent). Trump's defense, claiming ignorance of the term's implications, raises questions about his awareness of the historical context and the impact of his words as a public figure.

While some may argue that the term was used in a different context, the overwhelming consensus among Jewish organizations and commentators is that the use of "shylock" in any context is problematic and reinforces harmful stereotypes (ABC News).

Conclusion

The claim that Trump's use of "shylock" is an antisemitic slur is True. The term has a well-documented history of being associated with negative stereotypes about Jewish people, particularly in financial contexts. Trump's insistence that he was unaware of its connotations does not mitigate the potential harm caused by his remarks, especially given the responsibility of leaders to be mindful of the language they use. The backlash from Jewish organizations and leaders further supports the conclusion that this language is indeed antisemitic.

Sources

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