US President Donald Trump has been accused of using “blatant and vile antisemitism” during a recent speech in Iowa. Addressing supporters at the America250 event, Trump invoked the term “Shylocks” while referencing money lenders, prompting condemnation from Jewish leaders and politicians across the United States. The comment was made as Trump celebrated his recently passed tax-and-spending bill, promising economic prosperity ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary.
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During the speech, Trump stated: “No going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker, and in some cases, Shylocks and bad people.” The term “Shylock” originates from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice and has long been criticised for its use as a harmful stereotype of Jewish moneylenders. When asked about the remark aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed he was unaware of the term’s offensive connotations and gave his own interpretation, calling it a reference to predatory lending.
Jewish leaders and US lawmakers swiftly denounced the comment. Representative Daniel Goldman described it as intentional antisemitism, while Amy Spitalnick of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs asserted that “this is not an accident.” Eric Swalwell called on the Anti-Defamation League to act, warning that failure to condemn Trump’s language would undermine its credibility. Halie Soifer, representing the Jewish Democratic Council of America, said Trump had revived a centuries-old slur tied to antisemitic tropes.
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Critics have noted that this is not the first instance of Trump invoking antisemitic rhetoric. His past remarks to the Republican Jewish Coalition and online content featuring antisemitic symbols have drawn similar scrutiny. The latest controversy comes just days before Trump is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, comparisons have been drawn with President Joe Biden, who once used the same term but later issued a public apology for his “poor choice of words”.
