Trump’s Stark Response to Greta Thunberg’s Allegations of Kidnapping
Donald Trump has weighed in on Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg’s recent claim that she was “kidnapped” by the Israeli military while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The controversial statement came during a high-profile incident in which Thunberg and other activists were detained by Israeli forces in international waters.
The Incident at Sea: What Happened?
Greta Thunberg, 22, alongside a group of activists, set out to bring aid to Gaza amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis fueled by conflict in the region. Early Monday, their vessel was intercepted by the Israeli army in international waters. Thunberg shared a pre-recorded video circulated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the group operating the boat, asserting that they were effectively “kidnapped” by Israeli forces.
Meanwhile, Israeli authorities described the interception more benignly, stating they boarded the so-called 'selfie yacht' to supply the activists with food and water, denying any aggressive intent.
Trump’s Take: Calls for Anger Management
Following a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump was asked whether Thunberg’s situation came up. His remarks were dismissive and sharp: “She's a young, angry person. I don't know if it's real anger; it's hard to believe, actually. But I saw what happened. She's certainly different. Anger management. I think she has to go to an anger management class. That's my primary recommendation for her.”
Trump added a touch of sarcasm: “I think Israel has enough problems without kidnapping Greta Thunberg. Is that what she said? She was kidnapped by Israel?”
From Climate Activist to Controversial Figure
Thunberg first rose to global fame in 2019 with her fiery speech at the UN Climate Summit, where she famously chastised world leaders for inaction. She even locked eyes with Trump during the speech, sparking media frenzy. At that time, Trump commented ironically about Thunberg, calling her “a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see!” despite her stern demeanor in the speech.
What’s Next?
This clash underscores the continuing tension surrounding humanitarian efforts in the conflict between Israel and Gaza, as well as the polarized public perception of Greta Thunberg’s activism. While the activist community highlights the intercepted aid attempt as a violation of international norms, Israel insists its actions were routine safety measures.
As this episode unfolds, the dialogue between political leaders, activists, and the public remains charged and uncertain, reflecting broader geopolitical complexities and the emotional weight carried by public figures on both sides.
