(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is facing intense backlash online after making a controversial comment that many interpreted as a threat toward Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The remark came after Thunberg joined a symbolic humanitarian aid mission to Gaza organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
Over the weekend, Thunberg was photographed aboard a ship delivering food and essential supplies from Sicily to Palestinians in Gaza. The cargo included items like baby formula, flour, rice, and diapers, described by organizers as “limited amounts, though symbolic.”
Graham, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, retweeted a Times of Israel article featuring Thunberg’s participation in the aid flotilla. The headline read: “Greta Thunberg sets sail with Gaza flotilla that aims to break Israeli naval blockade.”
Along with the article, Graham posted a brief message that sparked outrage: “Hope Greta and her friends can swim!” Social media users swiftly condemned the statement, calling it inappropriate, threatening, and unbecoming of a sitting U.S. senator.
Journalist Brian McDonald questioned, “Why is a 69-year-old U.S. senator joking about the drowning of a 22-year-old Swedish activist? Is this where American politics is now?”
Others echoed that sentiment. The account @xIsraelExposedx asked, “Why would a US senator be threatening a young climate activist?” while @Darkiora wrote, “Just casually threatening the life of a young girl that wants to feed a starving besieged population where half are children. How do Americans accept this behavior?”
Another user, @DeTocqueville14, addressed Graham directly: “Are you aware that you are a sitting US Senator??” Writer @moorehn criticized Graham’s motives: “You are a disgrace to the dignity of the U.S. Senate and your legacy will reflect how you desperately misused your power in return for money.”
Free speech attorney Jenin Younis added, “If I were a sitting congressman working on behalf of a foreign country and against Americans, I’d try not to make it so obvious.”
Writer Patti Mohr concluded, “That’s a disgusting comment, Senator Graham. You might find starving millions of people funny but the rest of us don’t. Real Americans are for human dignity, rights, and freedom. You’ve been in Washington way too long.”
As of now, Graham has not responded to the backlash.
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