We’ll be the first to admit that it’s not always crystal clear what the Food and Drug Administration does—its reach includes everything from medical devices to tobacco. What we do know for sure is that it is the one thing standing between us and massive food poisoning outbreaks.
Donald Trump doesn’t seem worried. The Republican presidential candidate pledged on Thursday that he plans to slash a range of regulators’ responsibilities, including the FDA’s ability to keep our food safe.
Calling it “The FDA Food Police,” Trump said the agency “dictate(s) how the federal government expects farmers to produce fruits and vegetables and even dictates the nutritional content of dog food.”
[quote position="full" is_quote="true"]If we slash their authority to impose needed checks and balances on our food system, who knows what might happen.[/quote]
It seems that Trump, like many first-year food studies students, isn’t exactly clear on the difference between the FDA and the United States Department of Agriculture. While he’s right that the FDA has a say in what our pets eat (and for good reason), the USDA is in charge of all things farming and agriculture. Unlike the Apprentice star, you may have been able to simply deduce that from the agencies’ names, or a quick scroll through their respective websites.
His lack of a basic understanding about government agencies’ roles isn’t the most worrisome thing about this statement, however. That can be found in the next sentence:
“The rules govern the soil farmers use, farm and food production hygiene, food packaging, food temperatures and even what animals may roam which fields and when...It also greatly increased inspections of food 'facilities,' and levies new taxes to pay for this inspection overkill."
The fact sheet has since been removed from Trump’s website, but The Hill published a screen grab for posterity. The sheet initially said the goal is to get rid of rules that hurt the economy, and strengthen the ones that are working.
[quote position="full" is_quote="true"]The FDA Food Police...even dictates the nutritional content of dog food.[/quote]
But if you take just one glance at the list of recalls the FDA is managing, you’ll see it is stopping at least one company a day from selling something harmful to the American public. If we slash its authority to impose needed checks and balances on our food system, who knows what might happen—from widespread foodborne illnesses to potential food-related terrorism.
The Republican Presidential candidate’s callousness seems to know no bounds, though we never thought it would extend to our dinners.
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Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
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.