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

Published July 4, 2025

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VERDICT

True

# Fact Check: Trump's Use of 'Shylock' is an Antisemitic Stereotype ## What We Know During a recent rally in Iowa, President Donald Trump referred to...

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

What We Know

During a recent rally in Iowa, President Donald Trump referred to certain bankers as "shylocks," a term that many consider an antisemitic slur. In his speech, Trump stated, “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” (Washington Post). The term "Shylock" originates from Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice, where Shylock is depicted as a villainous Jewish moneylender who demands a "pound of flesh" from a debtor (AP News).

After the rally, when questioned about the antisemitic implications of his language, Trump claimed he had "never heard" that the term could be considered offensive, asserting that to him, a "shylock" simply refers to a money lender at high rates (CNN). The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) condemned Trump's use of the term, stating that it evokes a "centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous" (Politico).

Analysis

The term "shylock" has a long history of being associated with negative stereotypes about Jewish people, particularly regarding money lending. The ADL's characterization of the term as "very troubling" and "irresponsible" reflects a broader consensus among scholars and activists that such language perpetuates harmful stereotypes (Reuters).

Trump's defense—that he was unaware of the term's offensive nature—has been met with skepticism. Critics argue that as a public figure, especially one in the position of President, he should be more aware of the implications of his language. Abe Foxman, former director of the ADL, remarked that the term is primarily used out of ignorance today, but it remains offensive to many (Washington Post).

Furthermore, Trump's history of making comments that have been criticized as antisemitic, such as suggesting Jewish Americans control politicians and dining with a Holocaust-denying white nationalist, raises questions about his awareness and sensitivity to antisemitism (AP News).

While Trump has taken steps to combat antisemitism during his presidency, including signing executive orders and addressing antisemitic incidents, his rhetoric continues to draw criticism for perpetuating stereotypes (CNN).

Conclusion

The claim that Trump's use of "shylock" is an antisemitic stereotype is True. The term is widely recognized as offensive and rooted in harmful stereotypes about Jewish people and money lending. Despite Trump's assertion of ignorance regarding the term's implications, the historical context and the reactions from organizations like the ADL indicate that his use of the word is indeed problematic and perpetuates antisemitic tropes.

Sources

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