Greta Thunberg has fired back at former President Donald Trump following his remarks suggesting that she has anger issues. In a pointed Instagram post shared on Tuesday morning, the 22-year-old Swedish climate activist expressed her feelings about Trump’s comments, implying that perhaps he, rather than she, might need to reassess his emotional state.
“I hear Donald Trump has once again expressed his flattering opinions on my character, and I appreciate his concern for my mental health,” Thunberg stated.
In her message, Thunberg was not shy about taking aim at Trump’s previous comments. “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,” she quipped.
Trump had previously labeled Thunberg as “angry” and a “troublemaker” following her detention and subsequent expulsion by Israeli authorities. This incident arose when the Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising 42 boats, attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza but was intercepted by Israeli forces. Trump remarked, “She’s just a troublemaker… She’s no longer into the environment now. She has an anger management problem. I think she should see a doctor,” adding, “Have you ever watched her? She’s a young person. She’s so angry, she’s so crazy.”
A history of clashes
This exchange is not the first between Thunberg and Trump. In June, after her initial mission to deliver aid to Gaza, Trump called her “strange” and “angry,” to which Thunberg responded, emphasizing the need for “more angry women” in the world. During Trump’s first term, he sarcastically referred to the then-16-year-old activist as a “very happy young girl” following her passionate speech at the United Nations regarding the urgency of climate action.
Thunberg’s ongoing activism
Thunberg, who gained international recognition for launching the “Fridays for Future” climate strikes in 2018, has broadened her advocacy to include support for humanitarian initiatives in Gaza. After her expulsion from Israel, she arrived in Greece on Monday, where she was welcomed by cheers from supporters, alongside approximately 160 other activists from the flotilla. Israel’s foreign ministry reported that a total of 171 activists were expelled from the flotilla’s vessels.