U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that climate activist Greta Thunberg should attend anger management classes, following her claims of being “kidnapped” by Israeli forces. The remark was made in response to a reporter who asked Trump for his thoughts on Thunberg’s recent statements regarding her detainment by the Israeli military.
Thunberg was among several activists aboard the Freedom Flotilla, a humanitarian aid mission headed to Gaza. The boat, named Madleen, had departed from Sicily in June and carried supplies including baby formula, rice, flour, diapers, and women’s hygiene products. The vessel was intercepted by Israeli forces while in international waters.
In a pre-recorded message shared on social media, Thunberg claimed that she and her fellow activists were “intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupation forces, or forces supporting Israel.” She urged her supporters to pressure the Swedish government to ensure their release.
Responding to the situation, Trump remarked, “She is a strange person. She is young and angry—I don’t know if it’s real anger, but it’s certainly unusual. My main advice for her would be to attend anger management classes.” He added, “Israel has enough issues to deal with without needing to kidnap Greta Thunberg.”
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition issued a statement on Monday, accusing Israel of breaching international law with the interception.
In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry stated via X (formerly Twitter) that the activists were unharmed and safe. Referring to the vessel as a “selfie yacht,” they noted that it was being escorted to Israeli shores and that passengers were being provided with food and water. Israel had earlier stated that it would take “all necessary measures” to prevent the flotilla from breaching the naval blockade on Gaza.
