Ex-FBI Chief James Comey in Hot Water for Cryptic “86 47” Post that Suggests a Plot Against Trump

Source: YouTube

Former FBI Director James Comey is once again at the center of political controversy. This time, it’s over a cryptic Instagram photo that federal officials have interpreted as a coded threat against former President Donald Trump. The image, since deleted, showed seashells arranged in the sand to spell out the numbers “86 47.” It appeared on Comey’s account without explanation, prompting immediate condemnation from Trump allies and a formal investigation by the Secret Service.

Why “86 47” Alarms Federal Officials

The phrase “86 47” may sound harmless to some, but the interpretation by law enforcement and political figures draws from known slang and recent history. In American parlance, “eighty-six” is an informal term that means to eject or get rid of something or someone. The number 47 clearly refers to Trump, who is now serving as the 47th president of the United States. Put together, critics argue the post amounts to a call to “get rid of the 47th president.” In a time where Trump has survived two assassination attempts in under a year, both the symbolism and timing of the post are seen as highly alarming.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the post was “being investigated as a threat.” The Secret Service confirmed that they are taking the matter seriously, noting that any potential danger to its protectees demands immediate and thorough attention. Comey, in response, said he did not understand the implications of the numbers when he posted them. In a follow-up post, he explained that he assumed the shells formed a political message and that he took the image down after learning some people associate the number “86” with violent intent.

Despite the deletion and denial, several members of Congress and Trump’s allies continue to press for accountability. Representative Tim Burchett called for Comey’s arrest, while former campaign officials criticized federal agencies for not acting faster. The post’s ambiguity has not stopped lawmakers from issuing statements framing it as deliberate and dangerous, especially given Comey’s long-standing animosity toward Trump.

What Happened After Comey’s Firing from the FBI

James Comey’s fall from official Washington began in 2017 when Trump dismissed him as FBI Director. Though four years into a 10-year term, Comey was abruptly removed as the bureau was investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump critics saw the firing as obstruction, while the President’s supporters viewed it as necessary cleanup.

After his firing, Comey became a vocal public critic of Trump. He wrote a best-selling book describing the president as “morally unfit,” gave televised interviews casting Trump as a threat to democratic norms, and drew backlash from both sides for how he handled politically sensitive investigations. In the years that followed, Comey shifted into fiction writing, authoring novels and promoting his books on social media.

His continued presence in public discourse has remained controversial. Republicans blame him for mishandling the Hillary Clinton email probe in 2016, which Clinton herself said damaged her campaign. Democrats, while critical of that decision, have often defended Comey’s handling of the Russia investigation.

Are There Legal Consequences to the “86 47” Post?

The current episode suggests that Comey’s political visibility may again have serious legal consequences. With the Secret Service probing the intent of his now-infamous post and key lawmakers demanding accountability, his future role in public life may come under renewed scrutiny.

Given the national sensitivity surrounding presidential security, especially after two high-profile attempts on Trump’s life, it remains to be seen how authorities will treat Comey’s explanation. His post may have lasted only briefly on Instagram, but its aftershocks are already reshaping the political narrative.

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