A comment made by President Donald Trump at the America250 rally in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday sparked outrage on social media, with users accusing the POTUS of anti-Semitism. Trump used the word 'Shylocks' - the name of a Jewish character from William Shakespeare's ‘Merchant Of Venice.’ ‘Shylock’ refers to a greedy Jew and is considered an anti-Semitic slur.
"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," Trump said.
Here's the video:
Is Shylock An Anti-Semitic Slur?
The term 'Shylock' is considered an anti-Semitic slur, as per Time Magazine. Referring to the fictional character in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, the term has used pejoratively as to refer to a greedy Jew. Back in September 2024, former President Joe Biden had to apologize for using the term 'Shylock' after he was called out by the Anti-Defamation League.
Biden was talking about lenders who give bad loans to military personnel to take advantage of them when they are serving in a foreign country. Biden released a statement apologizing for his poor "choice of words."
Social Media Slam Trump
{{/usCountry}}Biden was talking about lenders who give bad loans to military personnel to take advantage of them when they are serving in a foreign country. Biden released a statement apologizing for his poor "choice of words."
Social Media Slam Trump
{{/usCountry}}As soon as the video of Trump using the word 'shylocks' surfaced on social media, users were quick to point out where the President went wrong. A flurry of posts followed, accusing the 79-year-old of anti-Semitism.
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“Hey uhhh, I thought Shylocks was you know, uhh, a word not to be used,” one user wrote.
“Woah! Cool it down with your anti-Semitism, will'ya?” wrote another.
“Shylocks..... I thought antisemitism was unforgivable, Mr. President LMAO,” wrote another.
The event at Iowa State Fairgrounds featured military parades, fireworks and a speech by President Trump. It will be followed year-long events, including a proposed “Great American State Fair,” as part of the nationwide America250 initiative.