Donald Trump was asked about Greta Thunberg being detained and taken to Israel — and he didn’t hold back.
In true Trump fashion, the president used the moment to fire off sharp digs at the teenage climate icon, turning a tense international incident into yet another blistering showdown.
“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 confirmed early Monday that its military had boarded the vessel, citing the country’s long-standing naval blockade of Gaza.
Trump’s word on Thunberg
Now, President Donald Trump is weighing in on the international uproar surrounding Greta Thunberg’s detainment by Israeli forces.
Speaking to reporters on June 10, Trump was asked whether he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had discussed Thunberg during a phone call they had earlier that day.
“Well, [Thunberg is] a strange person,” Trump began. “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 angry management class. That’s my primary recommendation for her.”
When the topic turned to Thunberg’s accusation that she had been “kidnapped” by Israel during the mission, Trump appeared both dismissive and incredulous.
“I find it—I think Israel has enough problems without kidnapping Greta Thunberg,” Trump said. “Is that what she said? She was kidnapped by Israel?”
“Yes, sir,” a reporter confirmed.
Trump’s reaction? A headshake and a scoff, leaving no doubt where he stood on the activist’s claim.
More than 54,000 reported dead
Activists with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the group behind the aid boat, has condemned the seizure of the civilian vessel, arguing it violated international law. They also accused Israeli forces of confiscating desperately needed supplies, including food, baby formula, and medical kits.
According to Israeli officials, the blockade — which has been in place since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007 — was further tightened following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed over 1,200 people and resulted in hundreds being taken hostage.
Since then, Gaza has faced an escalating humanitarian crisis, with more than 54,000 reported dead, according to the Associated Press, citing the Gaza Health Ministry.
Are being deported
In addition to Thunberg, the boat carried several other notable 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.
According to The Guardian, Israel is now preparing to deport Greta Thunberg and other activists who were aboard the Gaza-bound aid ship. On Tuesday, Israeli authorities confirmed that the group had been moved to a Tel Aviv airport ahead of their deportation.
‘Selfie yacht’
Thunberg, along with the other pro-Palestinian activists on board, has accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza and blocking critical humanitarian relief. Israeli authorities have strongly rejected those claims.
The situation has triggered intense global debate — and contrasting statements from both sides.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry posted on X (formerly Twitter): “All the passengers of the ‘selfie yacht’ are safe and unharmed. They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over.”
Meanwhile, Thunberg took to Instagram with an emotional message: “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. So that’s why we have to keep trying to stand in solidarity with you.”
