Trump Defends Use of ‘Shylock’ Term Amid Antisemitism Claims
President Donald Trump has defended his use of the term ‘Shylock’ during a recent rally, claiming he was not aware of its antisemitic connotations. The term, rooted in Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant of Venice,’ has evolved into a slur associated with Jewish greed. Despite the controversy, Trump claimed his use was innocuous, sparking backlash from Jewish leaders and organizations.
The Anti-Defamation League and Representative Jerry Nadler criticized the remark, highlighting its historical antisemitic roots. Meanwhile, conservative commentators and Trump’s campaign emphasized his efforts to combat antisemitism, including executive orders targeting campus and immigration-related harassment.