When asked about climate activist Greta Thunberg’s dramatic claim that she was “kidnapped” by Israeli forces, Donald Trump didn’t mince words — and his response is making waves.
In classic Trump style, the former president turned the high-stakes international controversy into a verbal battleground, lobbing a fiery shot at the teen icon with just three scathing words.
“If you see this video…”
The controversy ignited Monday when Thunberg, aboard a humanitarian aid vessel headed for Gaza, said she and others were forcibly detained in international waters by Israeli forces. The boat, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was intercepted and towed to an Israeli port, triggering global outrage and a storm of online debate.
In a video released by the coalition, Thunberg appears composed but defiant:
“If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel.”
Trump’s terse, blistering response only added fuel to the fire — and now, the world is watching as this clash between two global lightning rods escalates.
Trump Blasts Greta Thunberg Over ‘Kidnapping’ Claim: “Anger Management Class”
The already fiery global debate over Greta Thunberg’s detainment by Israeli forces took a dramatic turn Monday — when former President Donald Trump weighed in with his trademark bluntness.
Asked about the climate activist’s claim that she was “kidnapped” by Israel while aboard a Gaza-bound aid ship, Trump didn’t hold back. His reaction? A shake of the head, a scoff — and three scorching words that are now making headlines.
“She’s a Strange Person”
Speaking to reporters on June 10, Trump was questioned about a call he had that morning with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Had the two discussed Thunberg’s high-profile detainment?
“Well, [Thunberg is] a strange person,” Trump replied. “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.”
When told Thunberg had accused Israel of kidnapping her during the mission, Trump appeared dismissive, even incredulous:
“I think Israel has enough problems without kidnapping Greta Thunberg,” he said. “Is that what she said? She was kidnapped by Israel?”
After confirmation from a reporter, Trump’s only response was a scoff — making it clear where he stood on the matter.
A Mission Interrupted
The controversy exploded after Thunberg boarded a humanitarian vessel as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), bound for Gaza with medical supplies, baby formula, and food. Israeli forces intercepted the boat in international waters, citing the country’s long-standing naval blockade of Gaza, and towed it to port — sparking outrage and accusations of violating international law.
In a video released by the FFC, Thunberg said calmly but defiantly:
“If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel.”
Who Was on Board?
Thunberg wasn’t alone. Other notable passengers included:
- Rima Hassan, Member of the European Parliament
- Yanis Mhamdi, journalist
- Omar Faiad, Al Jazeera presenter
- FFC organizers Yasemin Acar and Thiago Ávila
As of Tuesday, all activists had been transferred to a Tel Aviv airport, with Israel confirming plans to deport them.
Mounting Crisis in Gaza
The mission came amid growing concern over Gaza’s humanitarian disaster. Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and saw hundreds taken hostage, Israel intensified its blockade — triggering a humanitarian collapse.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 54,000 people have died in Gaza since the war began, with aid agencies warning of famine and medical shortages.
The FFC condemned Israel’s seizure of the boat, calling it illegal and accusing Israeli forces of confiscating life-saving aid.
“Selfie Yacht” vs. “Livestream Genocide”
The clash of narratives couldn’t be sharper.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry downplayed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), posting:
“All the passengers of the ‘selfie yacht’ are safe and unharmed. They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over.”
Thunberg, on Instagram, fired back with a message of defiance:
“I’m here because the world cannot be silent bystanders when there is a livestream genocide going on. Everyone who has the opportunity to do something has a moral duty to do so.”
With Trump’s comments now echoing across headlines, the global divide over Thunberg’s actions — and Israel’s response — has only deepened. One thing is clear: this showdown is far from over.