A remark made by President Donald Trump during his speech at the America250 rally in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday has triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with many accusing him of using anti-Semitic language.
While discussing the estate tax and borrowing from banks, Trump said:
“No estate tax, no going through the banks and borrowing from—in some cases a fine banker—and in some cases a shylocks and bad people.”
The word “Shylocks” is widely regarded as an anti-Semitic slur, derived from the Jewish moneylender character in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. The term has historically been used to perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Jewish people and greed.
Why Is ‘Shylock’ Considered Offensive?
According to Time Magazine and other historical sources, the term “Shylock” has long been criticized for reinforcing negative Jewish stereotypes. In September 2024, former President Joe Biden faced similar backlash for using the word when discussing predatory lenders who exploit U.S. military personnel. He later issued a public apology, calling it a poor “choice of words.”
Social Media Reacts Swiftly
Trump’s comment quickly circulated on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where many users condemned the language as inappropriate and offensive:
- “Hey uhhh, I thought Shylocks was, you know, a word not to be used,” one user posted.
- “Woah! Cool it down with your anti-Semitism, will’ya?” another wrote.
- “Shylocks… I thought antisemitism was unforgivable, Mr. President LMAO,” said another post.
America250 Rally and Celebrations
The America250 rally, held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, included military parades, fireworks, and Trump’s keynote speech. The event marked the beginning of a year-long series of national celebrations leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States. Plans include a “Great American State Fair” and other patriotic events across the country.
So far, the White House has not responded to the controversy surrounding Trump’s comment.
