The Political Insider

Former First Lady Michelle Obama sent out a message of support Thursday to teen climate crisis activist Greta Thunberg after the 16-year-old received a tweet from President Donald Trump.

‘You have so much to offer us all’

“Don’t let anyone dim your light,” Mrs. Obama wrote on Twitter to Thunberg. “Like the girls I’ve met in Vietnam and all over the world, you have so much to offer us all.”

Clearly referring to President Trump, Obama added, “Ignore the doubters and know that millions of people are cheering you on.”

RELATED: Trump Hilariously Upstages Climate Activist Greta Thunberg’s Speech

All of this happened in the wake of Thunberg being named Time magazine’s ‘Person of the Year’ this week.

Trump tweeted Thursday morning that it was “so ridiculous” for her to be recognized for this title.

“Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!” Trump wrote.

After Trump’s tweet, Thunberg changed her Twitter bio to reflect Trump’s comments.

Democratic presidential frontrunner and former vice president Joe Biden blasted Trump for his comments, tweeting, “What kind of president bullies a teenager?”

Is It Okay to Criticize Greta Thunberg?

While Michelle Obama, Joe Biden and other adults have attacked President Trump for criticizing a teenager, is it not also true that this young lady is trying to have it both ways?

If you are a public figure known for speaking out against climate change – so known, in fact, that Time magazine names you “Person of the Year” – do you also get to be shielded from any criticism due to your young age?

How can someone be a public figure known for a cause, at any age, and yet expect not to be critiqued in any way?

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Whatever one thinks of Thunberg’s beliefs and stance on climate change, once someone enters the public arena of ideas and has an impact, it’s only logical that they might be challenged for their positions.

Greta Thunberg has become a global celebrity for her convictions on the issue of climate change. That someone might have an opinion on that – even the President of the United States – is well within reason.