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The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Trump calls bankers a term long considered antisemitic
"The meaning of Shylock is somebody that's a money lender at high rates," Trump said after disembarking from Air Force One. "You view it differently. I've never heard that." Anti-bigotry groups were quick to condemn Trump, saying the president has a long history of making antisemitic remarks and should have known better. "Shylock is among the most quintessential antisemitic stereotypes," said Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the nonpartisan Jewish Council for Public Affairs and an expert on antisemitism and extremism. "This is not an accident," Spitalnick said in a post on X. "It follows years in which Trump has normalized antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories -- and it's deeply dangerous." The Anti-Defamation League, which combats antisemitism and racism worldwide, said the term "evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous." "President Trump's use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible," the ADL said, also in a post on X. "It underscores how lies and conspiracies about Jews remain deeply entrenched in our country. Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States." 'Shylocks and bad people' who 'destroyed a lot of families' Trump's remark came at a campaign-style rally speech at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines for a "Salute to America Celebration." Much of his speech celebrated the passage of his massive budget reconciliation bill earlier in the day. "No death tax. No estate tax. No going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker -- and in some cases, shylocks and bad people... they destroyed a lot of families," Trump said. "But we did the opposite," Trump said, before describing the budget bill passed along party lines in the House and Senate. The term Shylock dates back centuries. In William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice," the main antagonist was a character named Shylock, a Venetian Jewish moneylender portrayed as greedy, ruthless and charging high interest rates on loans. Joe Biden used the term too, then apologized Then-Vice President Joe Biden also used the term in 2014, describing unscrupulous bankers catering to American troops overseas as "these Shylocks who took advantage of these women and men." "Shylock represents the medieval stereotype about Jews and remains an offensive characterization to this day," Abraham Foxman, the ADL's national director said at the time. "The Vice President should have been more careful." Foxman later announced that Biden had reached out to him by phone to apologize. "Not only has he been a stalwart against anti-Semitism and bigotry, but he has the courage and forthrightness to admit a mistake and use it as an opportunity to learn and to teach others about the harmful effects of stereotypes," Foxman said of Biden. "Clearly there was no ill-intent here," Foxman added, "but Joe and I agreed that perhaps he needs to bone up on his Shakespeare." Biden also issued a public apology. "Abe Foxman has been a friend and advisor of mine for a long time," Biden said in a statement. "He's correct, it was a poor choice of words." Trump's history of remarks called antisemitic Trump has portrayed himself as a staunch advocate for Jews. Since retaking office, he has led an aggressive campaign to root out antisemitism at Harvard and other high-profile American universities - a move that some critics said curbs freedom of speech by those criticizing Israel for its war in Gaza. Trump has a long history of making statements that Jewish leaders, historians and civil rights organizations have interpreted as reinforcing antisemitic stereotypes, including jokes about being cheap and aggressive in business and accusations of them being primarily loyal to Israel. He also has associated with known antisemites. In 2015, he told the Republican Jewish Coalition, "You just like me because my daughter happens to be Jewish," and "I'm a negotiator like you folks; we're negotiators." During his first campaign for president in 2016, Trump tweeted an image of Democratic rival Hillary Clinton superimposed on dollar bills with a six-pointed star, widely interpreted as a Star of David. The ADL called it "blatantly antisemitic." Trump also has said any Jew who votes for Democratic "hates their religion" and "should have their head examined" because he has been so supporitive of Israel, which he has referred to as "your country" when addressing a Jewish audience. And in November 2022, Trump hosted far-right extremist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes - and Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West - at his Mar-a-Lago club. Both West and Fuentes were avid supporters of Trump who repeatedly had made antisemitic remarks. Fuentes in particular is a prominent figure among the far-right, peddling white nationalist ideas and openly promoting antisemitic and racist rhetoric. "Bigotry, hate, and antisemitism have absolutely no place in America - including at Mar-A-Lago," Biden administration White House spokesman Andrew Bates told CNN in a statement. "Holocaust denial is repugnant and dangerous, and it must be forcefully condemned." In response to heavy criticism, Trump said West "called me to have dinner at Mar-a-Lago. Shortly thereafter, he unexpectedly showed up with three of his friends, whom I knew nothing about."
USA Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Donald Trump uses antisemitic term to describe bankers, drawing criticism
The president made the remark at a rally launching his yearlong celebration of America's 250th birthday. WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump described some bankers as 'shylocks,' a term widely seen as an antisemitic slur, at a July 3 Iowa rally kicking off his yearlong celebration of America's 250th birthday. When asked by reporters about it later that evening, Trump said he has 'never heard that' the word is considered antisemitic. "The meaning of Shylock is somebody that's a money lender at high rates,' Trump said after disembarking from Air Force One. 'You view it differently. I've never heard that." Anti-bigotry groups were quick to condemn Trump, saying the president has a long history of making antisemitic remarks and should have known better. 'Shylock is among the most quintessential antisemitic stereotypes,' said Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the nonpartisan Jewish Council for Public Affairs and an expert on antisemitism and extremism. 'This is not an accident,' Spitalnick said in a post on X. 'It follows years in which Trump has normalized antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories — and it's deeply dangerous.' The Anti-Defamation League, which combats antisemitism and racism worldwide, said the term 'evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous.' 'President Trump's use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible,' the ADL said, also in a post on X. 'It underscores how lies and conspiracies about Jews remain deeply entrenched in our country. Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States.' 'Shylocks and bad people' who 'destroyed a lot of families' Trump's remark came at a campaign-style rally speech at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines for a "Salute to America Celebration." Much of his speech celebrated the passage of his massive budget reconciliation bill earlier in the day. 'No death tax. No estate tax. No going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker — and in some cases, shylocks and bad people… they destroyed a lot of families,' Trump said. 'But we did the opposite,' Trump said, before describing the budget bill passed along party lines in the House and Senate. The term Shylock dates back centuries. In William Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice,' the main antagonist was a character named Shylock, a Venetian Jewish moneylender portrayed as greedy, ruthless and charging high interest rates on loans. Joe Biden used the term too, then apologized Then-Vice President Joe Biden also used the term in 2014, describing unscrupulous bankers catering to American troops overseas as 'these Shylocks who took advantage of these women and men.' 'Shylock represents the medieval stereotype about Jews and remains an offensive characterization to this day,' Abraham Foxman, the ADL's national director said at the time. 'The Vice President should have been more careful.' Foxman later announced that Biden had reached out to him by phone to apologize. 'Not only has he been a stalwart against anti-Semitism and bigotry, but he has the courage and forthrightness to admit a mistake and use it as an opportunity to learn and to teach others about the harmful effects of stereotypes,' Foxman said of Biden. 'Clearly there was no ill-intent here,' Foxman added, 'but Joe and I agreed that perhaps he needs to bone up on his Shakespeare.' Biden also issued a public apology. "Abe Foxman has been a friend and advisor of mine for a long time," Biden said in a statement. "He's correct, it was a poor choice of words." Trump's history of remarks called antisemitic Trump has portrayed himself as a staunch advocate for Jews. Since retaking office, he has led an aggressive campaign to root out antisemitism at Harvard and other high-profile American universities – a move that some critics said curbs freedom of speech by those criticizing Israel for its war in Gaza. Trump has a long history of making statements that Jewish leaders, historians and civil rights organizations have interpreted as reinforcing antisemitic stereotypes, including jokes about being cheap and aggressive in business and accusations of them being primarily loyal to Israel. He also has associated with known antisemites. In 2015, he told the Republican Jewish Coalition, "You just like me because my daughter happens to be Jewish," and "I'm a negotiator like you folks; we're negotiators." During his first campaign for president in 2016, Trump tweeted an image of Democratic rival Hillary Clinton superimposed on dollar bills with a six-pointed star, widely interpreted as a Star of David. The ADL called it 'blatantly antisemitic.' Trump also has said any Jew who votes for Democratic "hates their religion" and "should have their head examined" because he has been so supporitive of Israel, which he has referred to as "your country" when addressing a Jewish audience. And in November 2022, Trump hosted far-right extremist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes – and Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West – at his Mar‑a‑Lago club. Both West and Fuentes were avid supporters of Trump who repeatedly had made antisemitic remarks. Fuentes in particular is a prominent figure among the far-right, peddling white nationalist ideas and openly promoting antisemitic and racist rhetoric. 'Bigotry, hate, and antisemitism have absolutely no place in America - including at Mar-A-Lago," Biden administration White House spokesman Andrew Bates told CNN in a statement. "Holocaust denial is repugnant and dangerous, and it must be forcefully condemned." In response to heavy criticism, Trump said West 'called me to have dinner at Mar-a-Lago. Shortly thereafter, he unexpectedly showed up with three of his friends, whom I knew nothing about."
USA Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Donald Trump calls bankers 'Shylocks,' drawing criticism for antisemitic term
The president made the remark at a rally launching his yearlong celebration of America's 250th birthday. He said he '"heard" it was antisemitic. WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump described some bankers as 'shylocks,' a term widely seen as an antisemitic slur, at a July 3 Iowa rally kicking off his yearlong celebration of America's 250th birthday. When asked by reporters about it later that evening, Trump said he has 'never heard that' the word is considered antisemitic. "The meaning of Shylock is somebody that's a money lender at high rates,' Trump said after disembarking from Air Force One. 'You view it differently. I've never heard that." Anti-bigotry groups were quick to condemn Trump, saying the president has a long history of making antisemitic remarks and should have known better. 'Shylock is among the most quintessential antisemitic stereotypes,' said Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the nonpartisan Jewish Council for Public Affairs and an expert on antisemitism and extremism. 'This is not an accident,' Spitalnick said in a post on X. 'It follows years in which Trump has normalized antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories — and it's deeply dangerous.' The Anti-Defamation League, which combats antisemitism and racism worldwide, said the term 'evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous.' 'President Trump's use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible,' the ADL said, also in a post on X. 'It underscores how lies and conspiracies about Jews remain deeply entrenched in our country. Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States.' 'Shylocks and bad people' who 'destroyed a lot of families' Trump's remark came at a campaign-style rally speech at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines for a "Salute to America Celebration." Much of his speech celebrated the passage of his massive budget reconciliation bill earlier in the day. 'No death tax. No estate tax. No going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker — and in some cases, shylocks and bad people… they destroyed a lot of families,' Trump said. 'But we did the opposite,' Trump said, before describing the budget bill passed along party lines in the House and Senate. The term Shylock dates back centuries. In William Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice,' the main antagonist was a character named Shylock, a Venetian Jewish moneylender portrayed as greedy, ruthless and charging high interest rates on loans. Joe Biden used the term too, then apologized Then-Vice President Joe Biden also used the term in 2014, describing unscrupulous bankers catering to American troops overseas as 'these Shylocks who took advantage of these women and men.' 'Shylock represents the medieval stereotype about Jews and remains an offensive characterization to this day,' Abraham Foxman, the ADL's national director said at the time. 'The Vice President should have been more careful.' Foxman later announced that Biden had reached out to him by phone to apologize. 'Not only has he been a stalwart against anti-Semitism and bigotry, but he has the courage and forthrightness to admit a mistake and use it as an opportunity to learn and to teach others about the harmful effects of stereotypes,' Foxman said of Biden. 'Clearly there was no ill-intent here,' Foxman added, 'but Joe and I agreed that perhaps he needs to bone up on his Shakespeare.' Biden also issued a public apology. "Abe Foxman has been a friend and advisor of mine for a long time," Biden said in a statement. "He's correct, it was a poor choice of words." Trump's history of remarks called antisemitic Trump has portrayed himself as a staunch advocate for Jews. Since retaking office, he has led an aggressive campaign to root out antisemitism at Harvard and other high-profile American universities – a move that some critics said curbs freedom of speech by those criticizing Israel for its war in Gaza. Trump has a long history of making statements that Jewish leaders, historians and civil rights organizations have interpreted as reinforcing antisemitic stereotypes, including jokes about being cheap and aggressive in business and accusations of them being primarily loyal to Israel. He also has associated with known antisemites. In 2015, he told the Republican Jewish Coalition, "You just like me because my daughter happens to be Jewish," and "I'm a negotiator like you folks; we're negotiators." During his first campaign for president in 2016, Trump tweeted an image of Democratic rival Hillary Clinton superimposed on dollar bills with a six-pointed star, widely interpreted as a Star of David. The ADL called it 'blatantly antisemitic.' Trump also has said any Jew who votes for Democratic "hates their religion" and "should have their head examined" because he has been so supporitive of Israel, which he has referred to as "your country" when addressing a Jewish audience. And in November 2022, Trump hosted far-right extremist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes – and Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West – at his Mar‑a‑Lago club. Both West and Fuentes were avid supporters of Trump who repeatedly had made antisemitic remarks. Fuentes in particular is a prominent figure among the far-right, peddling white nationalist ideas and openly promoting antisemitic and racist rhetoric. 'Bigotry, hate, and antisemitism have absolutely no place in America - including at Mar-A-Lago," Biden administration White House spokesman Andrew Bates told CNN in a statement. "Holocaust denial is repugnant and dangerous, and it must be forcefully condemned." In response to heavy criticism, Trump said West 'called me to have dinner at Mar-a-Lago. Shortly thereafter, he unexpectedly showed up with three of his friends, whom I knew nothing about."
Toronto Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Trump said he didn't know an offensive term he used in a speech is considered antisemitic
Published Jul 04, 2025 • 2 minute read US President Donald Trump gestures as he steps on stage to deliver remarks at the Salute to America Celebration at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on July 3, 2025. Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he didn't know the term 'shylock' is considered antisemitic when he used it in a speech to describe unscrupulous moneylenders. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Trump told reporters early Friday after returning from an event in Iowa that he had 'never heard it that way' and 'never heard that' the term was considered an offensive stereotype about Jews. Shylock refers to the villainous Jewish moneylender in Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice' who demands a pound of flesh from a debtor. The Anti-Defamation League, which works to combat antisemitism, said in a statement that the term 'evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous. President Trump's use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible.' Democrat Joe Biden, while vice president, said in 2014 that he had made a 'poor choice' of words a day after he used the term in remarks to a legal aid group. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Trump's administration has made cracking down on antisemitism a priority. His administration said it is screening for antisemitic activity when granting immigration benefits and its fight with Harvard University has centered on allegations from the White House that the school has tolerated antisemitism. But the Republican president has also had a history of playing on stereotypes about Jewish people. He told the Republican Jewish Coalition in 2015 that 'you want to control your politicians' and suggested the audience used money to exert control. Before he kicked off his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump drew widespread criticism for dining at his Florida club with a Holocaust-denying white nationalist. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Last year, Trump made repeated comments accusing Jewish Americans who identify as Democrats of disloyalty because of the Democratic leaders' criticisms of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Critics said it perpetuated an antisemitic trope about Jews having divided loyalties and there being only one right way to be Jewish. On Thursday night in his speech in Iowa, Trump used the term while talking about his signature legislation that was passed by Congress earlier in the day. 'No death tax, no estate tax, no going to the banks and borrowing some from, in some cases, a fine banker and in some cases shylocks and bad people,' he said. When a reporter later asked about the word's antisemitic association and his intent, Trump said; 'No, I've never heard it that way. To me, a shylock is somebody that's a money lender at high rates. I've never heard it that way. You view it differently than me. I've never heard that.' The Anti-Defamation League said Trump's use of the word 'underscores how lies and conspiracies about Jews remain deeply entrenched in our country. Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States.' Editorial Cartoons World Toronto & GTA News Toronto Maple Leafs
USA Today
3 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Trump promotes UFC fight at White House, migrant remedy for farmers in Iowa speech
The Iowa speech came the same day the House gave final approval to Trump's legislative package of tax reductions and Medicaid cuts. President Donald Trump told an Iowa crowd he would sign the legislative package in a patriotic ceremony on July 4 and focus resources on national parks − as well as holding a UFC fight at the White House - as he embarks on a yearlong celebration of the country's 250th anniversary. 'There could be no better birthday present for America than the phenomenal victory we achieved just a few hours ago, when Congress passed the one big beautiful bill to make America great again,' Trump told a crowd at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines for a 'Salute to America Celebration.' Trump said he would sign the bill at the White House joined by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana; Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota; and many congressional Republicans. Trump said military pilots who successfully bombed Iran will be guests for a flyover of military planes during the patriotic ceremony. 'We're going to have B-2s and F-22s and F-35s flying right over the White House,' Trump told reporters before flying to Iowa. 'We'll be signing with those beautiful planes flying right over our heads.' Trump promises immigration enforcement fix for farmers One of Trump's top priorities is to improve border security and deport immigrants who are in the country unlawfully. But after hearing concerns that farmers were losing migrant workers they depend on, Trump outlined how Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was developing legislation to effectively allow farmers to vouch for their workers to allow them to stay. Trump said similar lenience would be extended to hotel and leisure industries. 'We don't want to take all of the workers off the farms," Trump said. "We've got to work with the farmers." 'We're going to put you in charge," Trump told the crowd. Series of state fairs will begin in Iowa: Trump Trump ‒ who has long embraced patriotic themes and imagery to complement his "America first" agenda ‒ already had a controversial taxpayer-funded military parade on the streets of Washington, D.C. The parade June 14 marked the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and fell on Trump's 79th birthday. In Iowa, Trump unveiled efforts to create the "Great American State Fair," a concept he touted on the 2024 campaign trail as a "unique, one-year exhibition featuring pavilions from all 50 states." He said events during the next year at fairgrounds nationwide would culminate on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. 'We will be orchestrating what we're calling the great American state fair and it will start right here in Iowa,' Trump said to cheers. 'We're going to have a big crowd.' Trump says he'll host UFC fight at White House To boost national parks, Trump proposed to raise the entrance fees for foreigners as part of his "America first" strategy. "Every one of our national park battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America 250," Trump said. "And I even think we're going to have a UFC fight. We're going to have a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House." "Championship fight − full fight," he added. Trump signed an executive order on the flight to Iowa creating a Make America Beautiful Again Commission to overcome what he called 'years of mismanagement, regulatory overreach and neglect of routine maintenance" at the National Park Service and the Forest Service. The commission is to include Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the heads of the Environmental Protection Agency and Office of Management and Budget and others. Trump seeks to expand access to public lands and recover fish and wildlife populations through voluntary conservation efforts. 'Land-use restrictions have stripped hunters, fishers, hikers, and outdoorsmen of access to public lands that belong to them,' the order said. The National Park Service has $23 billion in deferred maintenance on roads, trails and historic landmarks, the order said. The Forest Service has $10.8 billion in deferred maintenance, the order said.
