Trump’s remarks come amid fresh tensions over Israel’s handling of international activists on the Gaza blockade.
Washington, DC [US], October 7, 2025: US President Donald Trump has taken a swipe at climate activist Greta Thunberg, claiming she has an “anger management problem” and should seek medical help. His remarks came following Thunberg’s detention and deportation from Israel, where she had joined the Global Sumud Flotilla—an initiative attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.
Labeling Thunberg a “troublemaker,” Trump said he was astonished by her attitude for someone so young. “She’s no longer into the environment now. She’s just a troublemaker. She has an anger management problem. I think she should see a doctor,” he told reporters, adding, “She’s so angry, she’s so crazy.”
According to Al Jazeera, Thunberg and around 160 activists from the flotilla were deported to Greece after Israeli authorities intercepted their vessels last week. Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that 171 individuals had been expelled, raising the total number of deported activists to 341.
The Israeli military had detained about 450 participants, including Thunberg and four French lawmakers, claiming that the flotilla’s ships were attempting to breach the Gaza blockade without carrying any humanitarian aid. Officials alleged that the operation’s “true goal was provocation in the service of Hamas.”
Israel has also dismissed reports of mistreatment of detained activists as “brazen lies,” asserting that all detainees’ legal rights were respected. Documents released by the Foreign Ministry reportedly linked the flotilla’s organisation and funding to Hamas.
The naval blockade on Gaza, jointly enforced by Israel and Egypt since 2007, aims to prevent the smuggling of weapons into the territory under Hamas control. Past efforts by international activists to break the blockade have drawn global attention, including the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, in which a UN inquiry later deemed Israel’s use of force excessive but maintained the blockade’s legality.
Meanwhile, Trump acknowledged diplomatic efforts from countries like Qatar, Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan in pushing for peace in Gaza. “Everyone wants this to happen,” he said, expressing optimism about upcoming talks between delegations from Hamas, Israel, and the US in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh. The indirect negotiations, based on Trump’s 20-point peace plan, are aimed at ending the prolonged Gaza conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
