There have been a lot of disastrous decisions made by U.S. presidents throughout our country's 243-year history. The Iraq War, Bay of Pigs Invasion, and Benjamin Harrison's protective trade policy that led to the Panic of 1893, first come to mind.
Most of these decisions came knowing there was risk involved, so it'd be wrong to label them dumb — poorly-executed or -thought through would probably be a better way to frame them.
However, on Wednesday September 4, 2019, the world was treated to what has to be the dumbest moment by a president in U.S. history. Donald Trump took a sharpie and altered a map that had the projected path of a deadly hurricane on it, just so he wouldn't lose face over an incorrect tweet.
RELATED: Trump's 'hurricane warning' to Alabama was so wrong it may have literally broken the law
On September 1, Trump Tweeted that Hurricane Dorian was headed towards Florida and would hit Alabama. The National Weather service corrected the president saying Alabama will not see any "impacts from Hurricane #Dorian" because it will "remain too far east."
In numerous tweets, Trump insisted the hurricane would touch Alabama. When the NOAA created a map of the hurricane that Trump displayed in the Oval Office at a press conference, he added a small bubble to the hurricane path so it looks like it will hit Alabama.
In addition to Florida - South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, will most likely be hit (much) harder than anticipated. Looking like one of the largest hurricanes ever. Already category 5. BE CAREFUL! GOD BLESS EVERYONE!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 1, 2019
Alabama will NOT see any impacts from #Dorian. We repeat, no impacts from Hurricane #Dorian will be felt across Alabama. The system will remain too far east. #alwx
— NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) September 1, 2019
The addition Trump made was a different color than the white path on the map so it was clear it had been altered. Did he actually think people would realize that the mark-up wasn't part of the original map?
While the entire incident should be embarrassing for every American, there was a silver lining to SharpieGate: the memes!
The folks on Twitter responded to SharpieGate by suggesting other ways that Trump can alter history or make good on his failed promises by marking up photos with his Sharpie. Here are 21 of the funniest.
The new United States map was unveiled by @realDonaldTrump
Thanks @Sharpie #ThanksSharpie pic.twitter.com/PrPetSR7rU
— Joseph Puopolo (@jpuopolo) September 5, 2019
pic.twitter.com/QDTou6gxbx
— dutch163 (@dutch163) September 5, 2019
pic.twitter.com/BHEi4lDZqo
— Kevin Starr (@kevinstarr) September 5, 2019
#SharpiePresident #sharpiegate pic.twitter.com/1z4NOkKTrd
— Bak Mei (@Pei_Mei) September 5, 2019
Trump plays golf pic.twitter.com/hsEaVAJbPX
— 💔missmygirl (@McMickey98) September 5, 2019
Here ya go pic.twitter.com/MxT2sPkbEj
— Penny Dier (@PennyDear9) September 5, 2019
WH just release the original image of @realDonaldTrump
inauguration photo. See? Much larger than Obama's. #SharpieGate #SharpieEnhancedInauguration pic.twitter.com/kT0Ooo6E5q
— Quaker Nana (@QuakerNana) September 4, 2019
pic.twitter.com/C0ku4Tmg4k
— Jennifer Oaks 🇺🇸💙🌊 (@ShinyRoo5) September 5, 2019
BREAKING: White House releases revised 2016 Election Results #TrumpSharpie pic.twitter.com/0LqTiObeRY
— Craig Sherman (@craigpsherman) September 5, 2019
Awwww not poor Tiffany! #TrumpSharpie pic.twitter.com/2EzjpbjWll
— Matt Johnson (@HotPockets4All) September 5, 2019
Looks like Mexico sent that check for the wall #TrumpSharpie pic.twitter.com/koEqgHx8dk
— vic 🍩 (@vicsepulveda) September 5, 2019
I'm the fittest POTUS to ever serve..#TrumpSharpie #MorningJoe pic.twitter.com/NFEZg86TJe
— LeoKapakos (@LeoKapakosNY) September 5, 2019
OMG! He was right about wind energy!#TrumpSharpie pic.twitter.com/hmSkVaC2pW
— Julie Beach (@JulieBeach3) September 4, 2019
Trump's Proof That Barack Obama is Not A US Citizen. #TrumpSharpie pic.twitter.com/P8LaDZfUqI
— brecia (@breciajanel) September 5, 2019
Trump insists his products are 100% made in the USA. #TrumpSharpie #sharpiegate #SharpiePresident pic.twitter.com/3BC0mQ2Kmi
— Tommy Campbell (@MrTommyCampbell) September 5, 2019
The White House have now released this photo to prove that Trump never met Jeffrey Epstein. pic.twitter.com/9SehPzn2BP
— Facts Do Matter (@WilDonnelly) September 4, 2019
DO YOU HAVE A SHARPIE I CAN BORROW #TrumpSharpie pic.twitter.com/UHqz64fo1r
— Hambino, The Great (@Hambino15) September 5, 2019
Trump releases photo to show he's taller than Obama. pic.twitter.com/U4K7C4MzQI
— Schooley (@Rschooley) September 4, 2019
#TrumpSharpie at work on stock market performance. pic.twitter.com/ibJNZWJYhv
— Tina Webb (@LaundryPrncss) September 4, 2019
Donald Trump is thrilled to announce he's been added to Mount Rushmore. #sharpie pic.twitter.com/fICENsMVia
— @boopumpkins (@boopumpkins) September 4, 2019
I knew it! #Sharpie pic.twitter.com/o2CGwihMe4
— The Weeping Angel (@NatalieBBlair) September 4, 2019
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.