Critics of Trump petition the Anti-Defamation League to intervene following allegations of antisemitic remarks - learn their official reply
In a strong rebuke, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has criticised US President Donald Trump's use of the term "Shylock" during a rally, labelling it "very troubling and irresponsible." The ADL emphasised that the term evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed, making it extremely offensive and dangerous[1][3].
Trump's remark, made during a Fourth of July rally in Iowa on July 3, 2025, while criticising predatory lenders, drew attention to the character from William Shakespeare's play, The Merchant of Venice[1][4]. The ADL highlighted that Shylock, a Jewish moneylender who demands a "pound of flesh," has become a painful antisemitic caricature over time.
In response to the controversy, Trump claimed ignorance of the term's antisemitic connotations, stating, "I’ve never heard it that way," and insisted that he simply meant it as a description of high-rate moneylenders[1][2]. However, the ADL's stance remains firm that such language is rooted in and reinforces dangerous antisemitic stereotypes.
The incident comes amid a rise in antisemitism and hate crimes in the United States, adding to the ADL's concern that such rhetoric can contribute to the persistence of harmful conspiracies and bias against Jewish people[3].
Eric Swalwell, a Democratic representative for California, has criticised the ADL for potential inaction regarding Trump's use of the term "Shylock." Swalwell suggested that the ADL would have "zero credibility" and should "pack it up" if it does not condemn Trump's remarks[5].
The ADL has previously faced criticism for defending Elon Musk's gesture at an event celebrating Trump's inauguration, which was claimed to be a 'Nazi salute.' Meanwhile, Tracy-Ann Oberman, an actor who played the first female Shylock in a production that relocated the story to London in the 1930s, has expressed concern about the play's legacy being antisemitic[6][7].
The ADL has also produced a discussion guide for educators about the play, stating that it reinforces the stereotype of Jews as money-hungry and greedy[8]. The organisation expects more from the President of the United States in terms of words and actions, given the potential impact of Trump's use of the term on the perpetuation of antisemitic stereotypes.
[1] CNN, "Trump uses 'Shylock' at rally, drawing criticism from ADL," July 4, 2025. [Accessed July 5, 2025]. [URL] [2] The New York Times, "Trump Defends Use of 'Shylock' Term at Rally," July 4, 2025. [Accessed July 5, 2025]. [URL] [3] ADL, "ADL Condemns Trump's Use of 'Shylock' as Offensive and Dangerous," July 4, 2025. [Accessed July 5, 2025]. [URL] [4] The Guardian, "Trump's use of 'Shylock' at rally sparks antisemitism concerns," July 4, 2025. [Accessed July 5, 2025]. [URL] [5] Politico, "Swalwell Slams ADL Over Trump 'Shylock' Remarks," July 4, 2025. [Accessed July 5, 2025]. [URL] [6] The Independent, "Tracy-Ann Oberman on playing Shylock: 'It's a dangerous role,'" January 25, 2023. [Accessed July 5, 2025]. [URL] [7] The Jewish Chronicle, "Tracy-Ann Oberman on playing Shylock: 'It's a dangerous role,'" January 25, 2023. [Accessed July 5, 2025]. [URL] [8] ADL, "Teaching the Merchant of Venice: A Discussion Guide for Educators," 2023. [Accessed July 5, 2025]. [URL]
- The controversy over President Trump's use of the term "Shylock" during a rally has sparked condemnation from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and discussions about antisemitic caricatures, especially in the context of social media and general news.
- As political discourse continues, the use of terms like "Shylock" in relation to high-interest moneylenders serves as a reminder of the persistence of antisemitic stereotypes, illustrating the intricate links between politics, entertainment, and crime-and-justice.
- The ADL's criticism of President Trump's remark and their expectations of different leadership regarding the perpetuation of antisemitic stereotypes reflect mounting concerns about war-and-conflicts, hate crimes, and bias in the United States, demonstrating the intersection of these topics on various social media platforms.
