Donald Trump was asked about Greta Thunberg’s detention and transfer to Israel, and he did not hold back. In typical Trumpian manner, the president exploited the opportunity to launch stinging jabs at the adolescent climate icon, turning a tense diplomatic crisis into yet another fiery battle.
“If you see this video…”
Tensions rose Monday after Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg said she was “kidnapped” by Israeli soldiers while on board a humanitarian supply boat destined for Gaza. The vessel, a member of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was stopped by Israeli forces in international seas and eventually hauled to port, causing international anger and heated online debate.
In a taped video posted by the alliance, Thunberg sounded calm but firm, saying, “If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by Israeli occupational forces or forces that support Israel.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated on Monday morning that its soldiers had boarded the vessel, citing the country’s long-standing maritime blockade of Gaza.
Trump’s statement on Thunberg
Now, President Donald Trump is commenting on the international outrage over Greta Thunberg’s detention by Israeli soldiers.
Speaking to reporters on June 10, Trump was asked if he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had addressed Thunberg during a phone discussion earlier that day.
“Well, [Thunberg is] a strange person,” Trump said. “She is a young, furious person. I’m not sure whether the emotion is genuine rage; it’s hard to believe. But I witnessed what occurred. She’s obviously unique. Anger management. I think she has to take an anger management class. That is my key advice for her. When the subject shifted to Thunberg’s claim that she had been “kidnapped” by Israel during the expedition, Trump seemed dismissive and skeptical.
“I find it—I think Israel has enough problems without kidnapping Greta Thunberg,” Trump commented. “Is this what she said?” Was she abducted by Israel?
“Yes, sir,” the reporter affirmed.
How did Trump react? A headshake and a sneer left little mistake about his position on the activist’s assertion.
Activists with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the group behind the relief boat, have criticized the detention of the civilian vessel as a violation of international law, with almost 54,000 documented deaths. They also accused Israeli soldiers of seizing vitally needed goods, including food, infant formula, and medical kits.
According to Israeli officials, the barrier, which has been in place since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, was strengthened following the October 7, 2023, Hamas onslaught, which killed over 1,200 people and took hundreds captive. Since then, Gaza has seen a rising humanitarian catastrophe, with more than 54,000 people reported killed, according to the Associated Press and the Gaza Health Ministry.
They are undergoing deportation. In addition to Thunberg, the boat carried numerous noteworthy passengers, including Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament; journalist Yanis Mhamdi; Al Jazeera broadcaster Omar Faiad; and FFC organizers Yasemin Acar and Thiago Avila.
According to The Guardian, Israel is prepared to deport Greta Thunberg and other protestors who boarded the Gaza-bound charity ship. On Tuesday, Israeli police revealed that the group had been relocated to a Tel Aviv airport prior to their deportation.
‘Selfie Yacht’
Thunberg, along with the other pro-Palestinian activists on board, has accused Israel of perpetrating “genocide” in Gaza and obstructing vital humanitarian aid. Israeli authorities have categorically denied the assertions.
The matter has sparked heated global debate, with opposing comments from both sides. Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated on X (previously Twitter) that “all the passengers of the ‘selfie yacht’ are safe and unharmed.” They were given sandwiches and drinks. “The show is over.”
Meanwhile, Thunberg sent an impassioned statement on Instagram: “I’m here because the world cannot be silent bystanders when a livestream genocide is taking place.” Everyone with the ability to accomplish anything has a moral obligation to do so. So that is why we must continue to stand in solidarity with you.