Trump drew the ire of the Anti-Defamation League and many critics by using a controversial term during his speech to supporters.
An anti-Semitic insult
Donald Trump has once again sparked controversy and raised many questions after attempting to justify the use of an anti-Semitic slur at an Iowa rally held on the eve of Independence Day.
In front of his supporters
At this event celebrating the passage of his "big beautiful bill" by the House of Representatives, Trump angered the Anti-Defamation League and many critics by using the term "Shylock" during his speech to supporters.
In his own words
Referring to his bill, Trump said it would allow people to avoid using banks, sometimes run by a "fine banker" but also, in his words, by "Shylocks" and "bad people".
Stereotype
This word, considered anti-Semitic, is historically associated with the stereotype of the "greedy Jew", used to describe someone, particularly a Jewish person, as exploitative or obsessed with money.
The president pleaded ignorance
Questioned by reporters about his use of the term, the president pleaded ignorance, saying he didn't know it was an anti-Semitic word and simply understood it as "someone who lends money at high rates".
His own definition of the term
According to Forbes, he also said during the exchange that his own definition of the term clearly differed from the "view" of the journalist who asked him the question.
Irresponsible
Still, the Anti-Defamation League was keen to condemn Trump's remarks, deeming the president's use of the term "very troubling and irresponsible".