Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has delivered a sharp, sarcastic retort to President Donald Trump, who mocked her following her recent deportation from Israel and suggested she has “anger management problems.”1
The exchange marks the latest chapter in the long-running feud between the two prominent public figures, which ignited after Thunberg’s participation in the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” an initiative aiming to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.2
Trump’s Mockery and ‘Troublemaker’ Slur
In remarks to reporters after Thunberg’s deportation and arrival in Greece, Mr. Trump dismissed the activist as a “troublemaker” who should seek professional help.3 “You mean she’s no longer into the environment and now she’s doing this? She’s a troublemaker, she has anger management problems, and she should see a doctor,” Trump stated, adding, “She’s so angry, she’s so crazy, you can have her.”4
Thunberg was among hundreds of activists detained by the Israeli Navy after the flotilla of boats refused to redirect their cargo through the Israeli port of Ashdod, insisting on sailing directly to Gaza.5 Israel maintained that the activists were attempting to “breach a lawful naval blockade,” while organizers defended their mission as a humanitarian act legal under international law.6
Thunberg’s Sarcastic Response
In a swift and characteristic counter-attack, Ms. Thunberg used social media to turn the insult back on the former President.7
Taking to Facebook, she posted a status that read:
“I heard Donald Trump once again has expressed his very flattering opinions on my character, and I appreciate his concerns for my mental health.
To Trump: I would kindly receive any recommendations you might have to deal with these so called ‘anger management problems’ since – judging by your impressive track record – you seem to be suffering from them too.”
Allegations of Abuse During Detention
Trump’s comments followed a flood of serious allegations regarding the activists’ treatment while in Israeli custody.8
Thunberg herself has condemned the alleged mistreatment. An email from the Swedish Foreign Ministry, reported by The Guardian, revealed the activist told an official she was held in a bedbug-infested cell and was deprived of sufficient food and water.9
Other flotilla participants offered harrowing accounts of the treatment they endured.10 Turkish activist Ersin Çelik claimed that Israeli forces “dragged little Greta by her hair, beat her, and forced her to kiss the Israeli flag as a warning to others.”11 Journalist Lorenzo D’Agostino corroborated reports of mockery, stating that Thunberg was “wrapped in the Israeli flag and paraded like a trophy.”12
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) also reported that six Australians detained on the flotilla complained of “serious mistreatment,” including physical assaults in what they described as a “dystopian” prison environment.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry has vehemently denied the allegations of abuse, calling them “brazen lies” and releasing its own footage which it claims shows Thunberg being treated fairly, fed, and kept warm.13
