The Federal Electoral Commissioner has come out to firmly repudiate President Trump's comment that election officials should "get rid" of mail-in ballots cast on November 3.
Ellen Weintraub, Federal Electoral Commissioner (FEC), fired back at the president that saying America does not "get rid" of ballots, "We count them."
Weintraub spoke out after the President made a foreboding comment about whether he'd peacefully concede the election if he loses.
"We're going to have to see what happens, you know, but I've been complaining very strongly about the ballots. The ballots are a disaster," Trump said.
"Get rid of the ballots and you'll have a very peaceful — there won't be a transfer, frankly. There will be a continuation," Trump said. "The ballots are out of control. You know it, and you know who knows it better than anyone else? The Democrats know it better than anyone else."
The president has repeatedly claimed there will be voter fraud in the election due to the significant increase in mail-in ballots caused by COVID-19 pandemic. He's also pushing the idea that because of the impending fraud, the election may have to be decided by the right-leaning Supreme Court.
There hasn't been any evidence that voter fraud will be a problem. But polls show Trump is likely to lose in November, so he's looking for an alternative pathway to victory.
Trump's attempt to undermine the very core of American Democracy has been criticized on both sides of the aisle. Mitt Romney compared Trump's statement to the fraudulent election recently staged in Belarus.
Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell uncharacteristically spoke out against the president saying the transition will be "orderly."
House majority leader Nancy Pelosi said Trump's comments come as "no surprise" because he has "been contemptible of science and governance."
Joe Biden called his response "irrational."
Later in the day, Weintraub doubled-down on her support for mail-in ballots, saying that there's "still no basis for the conspiracy theory that #VoteByMail will lead to a rigged election."
Today's repudiation of the President isn't the first time she's spoken out against his conspiracies.
Weintraub's brave decision to speak out against the president's attempts to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the election is the type of resolve American institutions should show during this time of crisis. The Trump presidency has put a stress test on our democracy and it will only stand if agencies such as the FEC don't back down.
Because once they do, the pillars of our democracy will go down as well.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.