Former US President Donald Trump isn’t mincing words again—this time, he’s taken aim at climate activist Greta Thunberg, following her explosive claim that she was “kidnapped” by Israeli forces while aboard a humanitarian flotilla headed to Gaza.
The 22-year-old Swedish activist posted a video on Monday, saying she had been detained in international waters by Israeli troops. The boat she was aboard, Madleen, had reportedly set off from Sicily and was carrying aid like baby formula, rice, and sanitary supplies. Her claim? That she and her fellow activists were intercepted in international waters by Israeli forces. Trump’s response? Brutal, dismissive, and very… Trump.
Trump Returns to Familiar Playbook—Ridicule
When asked about Thunberg’s video by a reporter at a campaign stop, Trump rolled his eyes—visibly annoyed—and fired off a cutting remark.
“She’s a strange person,” he said. “She’s a young, angry person. I don’t know if it’s real anger—hard to believe, frankly.” Then, without missing a beat, he added, “She should take anger management classes.”
If that sounds familiar, it should. Trump made almost the exact same remark back in 2019, tweeting that Thunberg had an “anger management problem” after she was named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year.
“I think Israel has enough problems without kidnapping Greta Thunberg,” he quipped, dismissing her kidnapping claims as overblown drama.
Thunberg’s Video: Urgent, Emotional, and Pre-Recorded
Greta’s video, posted across social media platforms, was pre-recorded—likely in anticipation of interception. In it, she’s visibly tense, her voice strained.
“If you see this video,” she says, “we are being intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupation forces, or forces that support Israel.”
She urges her followers to “put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible.”
Short, sharp, and raw—the kind of message that can spark global headlines. And it has.
What Was the Freedom Flotilla Doing?
The boat Greta was aboard—Madleen—was one of the vessels in the Freedom Flotilla, a civilian-led attempt to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza. According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the cargo included:
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Infant formula
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Flour and rice
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Diapers and sanitary products
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Medical supplies
Organizers say the flotilla aimed to defy the blockade on Gaza and deliver aid directly to those affected by the conflict.
But Israel’s position on such flotillas hasn’t changed: it considers them violations of its maritime security perimeter. Interceptions are routine—and often controversial.
Trump’s Long-Running Feud with Greta
This isn’t their first public clash.
Back in 2019, Greta mocked Trump’s dramatic tweet about winning the US election by changing her Twitter bio to: “A very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future.” It was Trump’s own words turned back at him.
Trump had posted sarcastically at the time: “So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend!”
He’s never apologized. She’s never backed down.
Their mutual disdain is well documented—and very public.
A Global Incident That’s Quickly Politicized
This situation goes far beyond a spat between two high-profile personalities. The core issue—Israel’s interception of aid flotillas—remains highly charged.
While Israeli officials have yet to confirm the exact details of the operation, they typically cite national security in justifying maritime interceptions near Gaza. The region remains under blockade, with access tightly controlled.
Greta’s team, however, accuses Israel of violating international maritime law by detaining civilians in neutral waters. And they’ve called on governments to intervene.
A look at the broader context:
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Interception Location | International Waters, Mediterranean Sea |
| Vessel | Madleen – part of the Freedom Flotilla |
| Activists Onboard | 30+ including Greta Thunberg |
| Mission | Delivering aid to Gaza |
| Aid Contents | Food, hygiene products, medical supplies |
| Israeli Response | Interception, possible detainment |
| Trump Response | Mockery, “anger management” jab |
Reactions Pour In—Mixed and Heated
While Trump’s comments made headlines, they also drew criticism.
Online, opinions were sharply divided. Supporters of the flotilla called Trump “callous” and “tone-deaf.” Conservative circles praised him for “keeping it real” and refusing to be swayed by “activist drama.”
Even some European officials are cautiously weighing in.
Sweden’s Foreign Ministry said it was “looking into the matter with urgency” and working to verify the status of its citizens.
Meanwhile, activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition are holding press events to draw attention to what they call an “illegal detainment of peaceful aid workers.”
Will This Escalate?
It’s unclear whether Greta and the others have been formally detained or are in temporary holding.
Israeli officials have offered no official statement, and the IDF declined to comment.
The lack of transparency has fueled speculation and worry. Some say this could trigger diplomatic fallout. Others believe it’ll be another media firestorm that burns out in a few days.
