Trump's choice of words is criticized by the Anti Defamation League (ADL) in the USA, an organization that fights against anti-Semitism and discrimination.
"The expression evokes a century-old anti-Semitic cliché about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous. President Trump's use of the term is very disturbing and irresponsible”, writes ADL in a statement.
On a question from a journalist about Trump's intention with the choice of words, the president responds that he has never heard the term used in that way.
As I understand it, a "shylock" is someone who lends money at high interest, says Trump.
Even former President Joe Biden has used the expression, and afterwards regretted the choice of words.
Shylock refers to a character, a Jewish moneylender in William Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice" from around 1598. Shylock draws up a contract with the merchant that will give him the right to stab a knife into the merchant's chest and take a pound of his flesh, if he does not pay his debt.
