Former U.S. President Donald Trump has responded sharply to Greta Thunberg’s claim that she was “kidnapped” by Israeli forces in international waters while participating in the Freedom Flotilla, a humanitarian mission bound for Gaza.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump dismissed the Swedish climate activist’s statement, saying, “She is a strange person. She’s a young, angry person… I think she needs anger management classes. That’s my primary recommendation for her.” He added, “I think Israel has enough problems without kidnapping Greta Thunberg.”
The comments came hours after Thunberg posted a pre-recorded video from the vessel Madleen, claiming she and her fellow activists had been “intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by Israeli occupation forces.” She appealed to the Swedish government and her supporters to pressure for her release.
The Freedom Flotilla, which left from Sicily earlier this month, was carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza, including baby formula, flour, rice, diapers, and sanitary supplies. Thunberg, along with other activists, was aboard when the boat was stopped by Israeli forces enforcing the naval blockade on Gaza.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry, in a statement on X, dismissed the incident, referring to the vessel as a “selfie yacht” and confirming that all activists were safe and unharmed, with sandwiches and water provided. Israel had earlier warned it would take necessary steps to stop any attempts to breach its blockade.
Meanwhile, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of violating international law by intercepting a peaceful humanitarian mission in international waters.
