Greta Thunberg Fires Back at Donald Trump After Criticism
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg did not hold back in responding to US President Donald Trump's recent comments calling her a "strange" and "young, angry person" with "anger issues." The backlash comes after Thunberg's attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza was intercepted by Israeli forces.
Confronting Accusations and Anger Management Jabs
Trump, addressing the incident, suggested that Thunberg should attend anger management classes, stating, "Anger management - I think she has to go to an anger management class. That's my primary recommendation for her." He also commented, "Israel has enough problems without kidnapping Greta Thunberg," following her claims that Israeli security forces had effectively "kidnapped" her during the aid mission. These claims, however, were publicly dismissed by Israeli authorities.
Thunberg’s Bold Response: “The World Needs More Young Angry Women”
Upon arriving in Paris after being deported, Thunberg remained defiant. She declared, “I think the world needs many more young angry women, to be honest. Especially with everything going on right now. That’s the thing we need the most.”
The mission was organized by the Freedom Flotilla, a global pro-Palestinian coalition that set sail from Italy on June 1 to deliver aid to Gaza, which continues to suffer from severe shortages amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Legal and Human Rights Implications
Thunberg condemned the interception of her ship, the British-flagged Madleen, as a violation of international law, stating, "This is yet another intentional violation of rights that is added to the list of countless other violations that Israel is committing." The vessel was intercepted in the early hours of Monday before she was deported.
History of Tensions Between Thunberg and Trump
This exchange is part of a long-standing pattern of public disagreements between Thunberg and Trump. In September 2019, during a UN conference, Trump mocked her passionate climate address by sarcastically calling her a “very happy young girl.” Earlier that year, after Thunberg was named Time Magazine's Person of the Year, Trump again suggested she work on her "anger management problem."
Looking Ahead
As geopolitical tensions continue to escalate in the region, Thunberg’s outspoken stance highlights the growing role of young activists in global humanitarian and political debates — stirring both support and controversy along the way.
