Trump’s Antisemitic Rhetoric: The Dangerous Implications of Using ‘Shylocks’ at Iowa Rally

During a rally in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 3, 2025, President Donald Trump employed the antisemitic term “shylocks” while denouncing bankers, a usage that echoes a long-standing ethnic slur rooted in Shakespeare’s portrayal of Jewish moneylenders. Trump’s remarks not only revive harmful stereotypes but also serve to manipulate racial and ethnic narratives for political gain.

The term “shylock,” originating from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, represents a grotesque caricature of Jewish people as greedy and vengeful, portraying them as exploitative financial figures. By invoking this slur, Trump disregards the serious history of antisemitism associated with it, further stoking prejudices amidst a climate of increased violence against Jewish communities.

In his speech, Trump shifted from attacking bankers to unleashing vitriol towards congressional Democrats, whom he claimed universally opposed his spending bill. He asserted, “I hate them,” expressing a dangerously divisive rhetoric that reinforces political antagonism and undermines democratic discourse.

This spending bill, containing cuts to Medicaid and food assistance for millions, has drawn criticism for its potential to exacerbate poverty while adding significantly to the national debt. The bill also includes provisions extending tax cuts benefiting the wealthiest, demonstrating Trump’s alignment with elite interests rather than the working class.

Trump’s rhetoric is symptomatic of a broader trend within Republican politics, characterized by divisiveness and exploitation of historical prejudices. Such language not only erodes democratic norms but also reflects an adherence to fascistic tendencies that threaten the foundational principles of equity and justice in America.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/media/tv/trump-denounces-shylock-bankers-and-says-of-democrats-i-hate-them/)