Trump's 'Shylock' comment draws outcry from Jewish groups

July 5, 2025

President Donald Trump has sparked controversy after using the term "Shylocks" to describe some bankers during a rally in Iowa, a word derived from a Jewish character in Shakespeare that is considered an antisemitic slur. Trump claimed he was unaware of the term's offensive nature, stating he understood it only to mean "a money lender at high rates. " The Anti-Defamation League and other Jewish organizations have condemned the remark as "very troubling" and "deeply dangerous," noting it perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Jews and greed.

Who is affected

Jewish communities and organizations in the United States
President Donald Trump, facing criticism for his remarks
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Jewish Council for Public Affairs
College institutions facing potential federal funding cuts for antisemitism
Pro-Palestinian activists on student visas who may face deportation

What action is being taken

Jewish organizations like the ADL are publicly condemning Trump's use of the term "Shylocks"
Trump's administration is actively campaigning to address antisemitism on college campuses
The administration is withholding federal funding from institutions like Harvard
Steps are being taken to deport pro-Palestinian activists who are in the US on student visas

Why it matters

The use of antisemitic terminology by a sitting president reinforces harmful stereotypes and normalizes discrimination against Jewish communities. Trump's claim of ignorance about the term's meaning raises questions about his awareness of antisemitic tropes despite his administration's stated commitment to fighting antisemitism. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between support for Israel as policy and the use of language that perpetuates antisemitism, potentially undermining efforts to combat discrimination and hate speech.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC