Former President Donald Trump is facing widespread criticism after using an antisemitic slur during a campaign-style rally in Ohio earlier this week. The comment came as he promoted what he described as his “Big, Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping piece of legislation aimed at reshaping federal tax policy and infrastructure funding.
During a nearly two-hour speech on Thursday, Trump veered off-script while discussing financial lobbyists who opposed the measure. Referring to them, he said, “You had these Shylocks trying to kill the bill—bad people, greedy people. But we pushed it through anyway.”
The remark drew immediate backlash from civil rights groups, Jewish organizations, and political figures on both sides of the aisle, who condemned the use of “Shylock”—a term widely recognized as an antisemitic stereotype rooted in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice.
Historical and Cultural Context of the Slur
The term “Shylock” originates from the Shakespearean character of the same name, a Jewish moneylender who demands a “pound of flesh” as collateral for a loan. Over time, “Shylock” became a derogatory label, often used to imply that Jewish people are greedy or manipulative with money.
Jewish advocacy groups have long condemned the use of the term. “There’s no ambiguity here,” said Sarah Goldberg, a spokesperson for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). “Calling someone a ‘Shylock’ isn’t just offensive—it perpetuates centuries-old antisemitic tropes that have led to discrimination, violence, and genocide.”
Trump’s Response
Within 24 hours, Trump attempted to tamp down the controversy but stopped short of apologizing. In a Truth Social post, he wrote:
“Once again, the Fake News is twisting my words. I was talking about corrupt lobbyists and career politicians, not any religion. The bill is great—biggest tax cut since Reagan—and they hate that. This is more political correctness nonsense. Sad!”
Later, in a follow-up interview with a conservative radio host, Trump doubled down:
“I used a literary term. People are too sensitive. We need to stop acting like saying the truth is hate speech. I don’t have a prejudiced bone in my body—I’ve done more for Israel than any president ever.”
This explanation did little to calm critics.
Bipartisan Condemnation
Leaders from both major political parties condemned the remark, though reactions varied in tone.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who is Jewish, issued a statement saying: “Mr. Trump’s use of this slur is a painful reminder that antisemitic rhetoric still finds its way into our public discourse—even at the highest levels. Words matter, especially from those who seek to lead.”
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) also weighed in: “I support free speech, but I also believe in responsible speech. We should expect better from a former president.”
However, several of Trump’s staunch allies defended him or dismissed the controversy. Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) called the backlash “manufactured outrage,” while Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH), a potential running mate in Trump’s 2024 campaign, said critics were “ignoring the real issues.”
Focus Lost on the “Big, Beautiful Bill”
Ironically, the comment overshadowed the legislative proposal Trump was promoting—a sweeping bill aimed at overhauling tax brackets, introducing major infrastructure investment, and providing significant deregulation for energy and tech sectors.
The “Big, Beautiful Bill,” as Trump has dubbed it, has been praised by fiscal conservatives for reducing corporate tax rates and introducing simplified tax filings for small businesses. Critics argue that the bill overwhelmingly benefits the wealthy and could balloon the national deficit.
But much of the media and public attention has been diverted by Trump’s slur rather than the bill’s contents.
“It’s unfortunate,” said political analyst Dana Contreras. “Regardless of where you stand on the bill, what people are talking about is a slur from 400 years ago. That’s not just bad optics—it’s a self-inflicted wound.”
Jewish Voters React
Among Jewish Americans, reactions have ranged from weary disappointment to fiery condemnation.
Rachel Mendelsohn, a Jewish Republican from Florida, said she felt “betrayed.” “I supported Trump because I thought he was strong on Israel, but there’s a pattern here. First Charlottesville, now this—it’s exhausting.”
Others noted that this isn’t Trump’s first brush with antisemitic language. In 2015, he similarly used “Shylock” in a speech, prompting criticism that led then-Vice President Joe Biden to denounce the remark. In 2021, Trump was also criticized for suggesting that American Jews were not sufficiently loyal to Israel.
“This isn’t an isolated incident,” said Rabbi David Kline of Brooklyn. “It reflects a worldview where stereotypes are treated as tools for applause lines.”
Will It Stick?
Despite the controversy, it’s unclear whether the slur will have lasting political consequences for Trump. His core supporters appear largely unmoved, and his poll numbers have remained steady in early primary states.
Still, political strategists warn that repeated controversies like this could weaken his ability to grow his base.
“Trump’s brand is built on provocation,” said GOP strategist Eliza Granger. “But there’s a difference between provocation and alienation. There’s a risk here that Jewish voters—and suburban voters more broadly—feel pushed away.”
Final Thoughts
As Trump barrels toward another presidential bid in 2026, the incident underscores a recurring theme: for every major policy push, a rhetorical firestorm seems to follow. Whether the “Big, Beautiful Bill” will be remembered for its tax provisions or the slur that stole its spotlight remains to be seen.
But for many Jewish Americans, one thing is clear: words carry weight, even when spoken behind a podium dressed in red, white, and blue.
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