Donald Trump's recent use of the term "globalists" in a speech has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it's coded antisemitic language. Trump himself has claimed ignorance of the term's negative connotations in this context, stating that he didn't know it was considered antisemitic. This denial has been met with skepticism from various groups and individuals. They point to the historical use of "globalist" as a dog whistle targeting Jewish people, associating them with a shadowy cabal controlling world affairs. The term's deployment in speeches alongside other inflammatory rhetoric targeting Jewish communities further fuels these accusations. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate about coded language and dog whistles in political discourse. Critics argue that regardless of intent, the use of such terms normalizes and amplifies antisemitic tropes, contributing to a climate of hostility and prejudice. Supporters of Trump, however, might counter that the term is used more broadly to describe a perceived international elite, irrespective of religious affiliation, and that accusations of antisemitism are politically motivated. The incident underscores the complex and sensitive nature of combating antisemitism, with disagreements surrounding intent versus impact playing a significant role in the public discourse. The debate continues over whether ignorance can be a valid defense against accusations of using antisemitic language, especially for a prominent figure with access to extensive media and advisors. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of carefully considering the implications of the language used in public discourse, especially when addressing sensitive topics with potentially harmful connotations.
President Trump referred to some lenders as "shylocks and bad people" during a Thursday evening speech, using a term the Anti-Defamation League a "centuries-old antisemitic trope."
The remarks came during an event in Iowa, as Mr. Trump celebrated the passage of his One Big Beautiful Bill Act. When discussing the law's changes to the estate tax, he said, "Think of that. 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."
The word "shylock" is a reference to the name of a Jewish character in William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" who is portrayed as a greedy moneylender. The depiction is as evocative of antisemitic stereotypes.
When asked about the word's antisemitic connotations, Mr. Trump told reporters after the speech, "I've never heard it that way."
"The meaning of shylock is somebody that's a moneylender at high rates. You view it differently. I've never heard that," the president said.
The Anti-Defamation League , "President Trump's use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible," writing that the word "evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous."
Rep. Dan Goldman, a New York Democrat who is Jewish, also criticized Mr. Trump's remarks in , writing: "This is blatant and vile antisemitism, and Trump knows exactly what he's doing."
"Anyone who truly opposes antisemitism calls it out wherever it occurs — on both extremes — as I do," wrote Goldman.
In 2014, then-Vice President Joe Biden also drew criticism for "shylocks who took advantage of these women and men while overseas," referring to military service members who faced foreclosures while serving abroad. Following pushback from the ADL, Biden called it a "poor choice of words," and the group "there was no ill-intent here."
