Trump Criticized for Using Antisemitic Slur While Promoting 'Big, Beautiful Bill' at Iowa Rally

President Donald Trump is once again under fire for controversial remarks—this time for using an antisemitic slur during a speech at the Iowa State Fairgrounds while promoting what he called his "big, beautiful bill," a sweeping piece of domestic legislation recently passed by Congress.

Speaking at a rally-like event hosted by a nominally nonpartisan group to kick off celebrations for America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, Trump pivoted into campaign-style rhetoric, attacking Democrats and highlighting provisions of the new legislation.

💬 Controversial Use of the Term "Shylock"

While discussing estate tax relief for family farmers, Trump said:

"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, but we did the opposite."

The term “Shylock” originates from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, where the Jewish character Shylock is portrayed as a greedy moneylender. Over the centuries, it has become synonymous with antisemitic stereotypes.

🛑 Backlash From Jewish Organizations

Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, posted on X:

"This is not an accident. It follows years in which Trump has normalized antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories — and it’s deeply dangerous."

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) also condemned the remark, calling it “very troubling and irresponsible,” noting that:

“The term ‘Shylock’ evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous. Words from our leaders matter.”

🗣️ Trump’s Response

When asked by reporters after the speech, Trump claimed ignorance of the term’s antisemitic connotation:

“I’ve never heard it that way,” he said. “To me, Shylock is somebody that’s a money lender and high rates.”

The moment drew comparisons to a similar 2014 incident in which then-Vice President Joe Biden used the same term and later apologized.

📜 Legislative Context & Event Atmosphere

Trump was in Iowa to celebrate the passage of a sweeping Republican-backed spending and policy bill. The crowd, which held signs reading “Make Agriculture Great Again,” cheered as Trump praised the legislation, which includes tax reforms, energy provisions, and estate tax relief for farmers.

The president has referred to the measure as a key component of his 2025 agenda, reinforcing his grip on the Republican Party and energizing his base.

🕊️ Ongoing Scrutiny Over Antisemitism

Trump’s use of language continues to draw scrutiny from Jewish advocacy groups. In 2024, his former chief of staff John Kelly claimed Trump had privately praised Hitler, and during his presidency, Trump was criticized for equating white supremacists and counterprotesters after the Charlottesville rally in 2017.

Despite this history, Trump’s administration also launched a Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, targeting antisemitic incidents on college campuses and toughening visa and immigration scrutiny tied to antisemitic activity.