Trump reacts to Greta Thunberg’s kidnapping claim with 3 blistering words
Donald Trump was questioned regarding Greta Thunberg’s detention and her transfer to Israel — and he was quite candid.
In classic Trump style, the president seized the opportunity to launch pointed criticisms at the young climate activist, transforming a serious international situation into yet another heated confrontation.
“If you see this video..”
Tensions erupted Monday after Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg claimed she was “kidnapped” by Israeli forces while aboard a humanitarian aid boat bound for Gaza. The vessel, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was intercepted by Israel’s military in international waters and later towed to port — sparking international outrage and fierce online debate.
In a prerecorded video released by the coalition, Thunberg appeared calm but resolute, saying: “If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced early Monday that its military had boarded the ship, referencing the nation’s longstanding naval blockade of Gaza.
Trump’s comments on Thunberg
Now, President Donald Trump is sharing his thoughts on the global outcry regarding Greta Thunberg’s detention by Israeli forces.
During a press conference on June 10, Trump was questioned about whether he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had talked about Thunberg during their earlier phone conversation that day.
“Well, [Thunberg is] a peculiar individual,” Trump started. “She’s a young, angry individual. I’m not sure if that anger is genuine; it’s quite hard to believe, honestly. But I witnessed what transpired. She’s definitely unique. Anger management. I believe she should attend an anger management class. That’s my main suggestion for her.”
When the discussion shifted to Thunberg’s claim that she had been “kidnapped” by Israel during the operation, Trump seemed both dismissive and skeptical.
“I find it—I think Israel has enough issues without kidnapping Greta Thunberg,” Trump remarked. “Is that what she claimed? She was kidnapped by Israel?”
“Yes, sir,” a reporter affirmed.
Trump’s response? A shake of the head and a scoff, clearly indicating his stance on the activist’s assertion.
More than 54,000 lives have been reported lost.
Activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the organization responsible for the aid boat, have denounced the capture of the civilian vessel, claiming it breaches international law. They also accused Israeli forces of seizing essential supplies, such as food, baby formula, and medical kits.
Israeli officials state that the blockade — which has been enforced since Hamas gained control of Gaza in 2007 — was further intensified after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 fatalities and hundreds taken hostage.
Since that time, Gaza has been experiencing a worsening humanitarian crisis, with more than 54,000 reported dead, as per the Associated Press, referencing the Gaza Health Ministry.
Are being deported.
Alongside Thunberg, the boat also had several other prominent passengers: Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament; journalist Yanis Mhamdi; Al Jazeera presenter Omar Faiad; and FFC organizers Yasemin Acar and Thiago Ávila.
As reported by The Guardian, Israel is currently preparing to deport Greta Thunberg and other activists who were on the Gaza-bound aid ship. On Tuesday, Israeli authorities confirmed that the group had been relocated to a Tel Aviv airport in preparation for their deportation.
‘Selfie yacht’
Thunberg, along with fellow pro-Palestinian activists aboard, has accused Israel of carrying out “genocide” in Gaza and obstructing essential humanitarian aid. Israeli officials have firmly denied these allegations.
This situation has sparked a heated global discussion — with differing statements from both parties involved.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry shared on X (formerly Twitter): “All passengers of the ‘selfie yacht’ are safe and unharmed. They were given sandwiches and water. The performance is over.”
In contrast, Thunberg expressed her feelings on Instagram, stating: “I’m here because the world cannot remain silent bystanders while a livestream genocide is occurring. Everyone who can take action has a moral obligation to do so. That’s why we must continue to strive for solidarity with you.”