Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has once again gone viral after firing back at U.S. President Donald Trump, who labeled her a “troublemaker” with “anger management problems.”
The exchange marks yet another chapter in the long-running feud between the outspoken environmentalist and the controversial American leader — and this time, Thunberg’s response has social media cheering her on.
Trump reignites feud with Greta Thunberg
Trump, now 79, made the comments during an Oval Office meeting after reports emerged that Thunberg, 22, had been deported from Israel to Greece following her involvement in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) — a group of pro-Palestinian activists attempting to reach Gaza by sea.
The flotilla organizers said their mission aimed to “break the illegal siege on Gaza by sea, open a humanitarian corridor, and end the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.” Israeli authorities, however, intercepted the boats before they reached Gaza, detaining and later deporting those on board.
Thunberg, one of the most recognizable figures in international activism, was greeted by supporters and presented with flowers upon landing at Athens International Airport. She told reporters that the GSF had been “the biggest ever attempt to break Israel’s illegal and inhumane siege by sea.”
But Trump saw things differently.
“She’s just a troublemaker,” he told reporters. “She’s no longer into the environment now. She’s got an anger management problem — she should see a doctor. Have you ever watched her? She’s so angry, she’s crazy.”
It wasn’t long before Greta fired back — and in classic Thunberg style, she did it with a calm but cutting edge.
Greta’s brutal clapback
Taking to Instagram, the young activist shared her response to Trump’s latest insult.
“I heard Donald Trump once again has expressed his very flattering opinions on my character, and I appreciate his concerns for my mental health,” she wrote.
“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.”
The post quickly went viral, drawing hundreds of thousands of likes and a flood of supportive comments from fans and fellow activists. Many praised Thunberg for her humor and restraint, calling her comeback “iconic,” “brilliant,” and “pure Greta.”
A long-running rivalry
This isn’t the first time Donald Trump has taken aim at the Swedish environmentalist — nor is it the first time Thunberg has turned his mockery into a viral moment.
Their public spat dates back to 2019, when Thunberg made an impassioned speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York. Her emotional plea for world leaders to act on climate change — “How dare you!” — became one of the defining moments of her activism.
Trump, then serving as U.S. President, mocked her on Twitter (now X), writing:
“She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see!”
Thunberg immediately updated her bio on the platform to read:
“A very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future.”
The move was widely celebrated as a subtle but devastating comeback — one that established Greta as a social media force as much as a climate activist.
“Chill Greta, chill!”
Trump again targeted Thunberg later that year when TIME Magazine named her Person of the Year, beating out several world leaders, including him.
“So ridiculous,” Trump tweeted. “Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!”
Once again, Thunberg weaponized Trump’s words with sarcasm. She changed her bio to read:
“A teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend.”
It became one of the most liked Twitter bios of all time, cementing her reputation as the queen of calm comebacks.
The Israel controversy
Thunberg’s recent clash with Trump comes amid ongoing controversy over her pro-Palestinian activism. The climate campaigner joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Greece to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The mission involved over 40 vessels carrying humanitarian aid and activists from dozens of countries.
After being detained by Israeli authorities in international waters, Thunberg accused Israel of “kidnapping” her and others aboard.
“I was taken against my will by the Israeli occupation forces,” she told reporters after her release. “We were in international waters. What happened to us is proof of the injustices happening to the Palestinian people every day.”
Trump dismissed her claims outright, telling reporters:
“I think Israel has enough problems without kidnapping Greta Thunberg. Is that what she said? She was kidnapped by Israel?”
He went on to call her “strange” and “angry,” doubling down on his earlier comments. “She’s a young, angry person. I don’t know if it’s real anger; it’s hard to believe. She has to go to an anger management class. That’s my recommendation.”
Social media reactions
Social media platforms lit up after Thunberg’s Instagram post. Supporters flooded her page with messages of solidarity and humor.
One user commented, “She burned him again. She’s undefeated.”
Another wrote, “Imagine being the leader of the free world and losing a roast battle to Greta Thunberg — twice.”
Meanwhile, critics accused Thunberg of hypocrisy for involving herself in issues beyond climate activism. Some right-wing commentators suggested that her activism had become “too political,” while others praised her for broadening her platform to include human rights advocacy.
Environmental organizations and human rights groups largely sided with Thunberg. Amnesty International issued a statement saying: “Greta Thunberg continues to use her platform to speak truth to power — even when that power mocks her.”
From climate strikes to global influence
Since bursting onto the scene at just 15 years old with her “Fridays for Future” school strikes, Thunberg has evolved from a solo protester outside the Swedish Parliament to one of the world’s most influential activists.
She has addressed the United Nations, the European Parliament, and major climate summits, sparking a youth movement that has mobilized millions of students worldwide.
Now 22, Thunberg’s activism has expanded beyond environmental issues, encompassing social justice, human rights, and anti-war movements.
Her critics, however, argue that she’s “lost focus” on climate change — an accusation Thunberg has dismissed. “All forms of oppression and injustice are connected,” she said in a recent interview. “You cannot fight for climate justice without fighting for human rights.”
Greta vs Trump: round three?
With both figures refusing to back down, the ongoing feud between Greta Thunberg and Donald Trump shows no sign of ending.
Whether it’s tweets, speeches, or viral Instagram posts, each exchange seems to capture the global imagination — not just as a clash of personalities, but as a battle between two vastly different visions of the future.
For now, Greta seems unfazed by Trump’s latest jab. Her message, as always, is simple: keep fighting, keep laughing, and never let the powerful have the last word.
As one commenter summed it up perfectly:
“Trump’s insults age like milk. Greta’s comebacks age like fine wine.”
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
