President Trump has called out former FBI Director James Comey, stating he is a “dirty cop” over an Instagram post that many interpreted as a veiled threat involving the slang “86” and Trump’s presidential number, 47.
Key Facts:
- James Comey posted a photo on Instagram showing seashells arranged as “86” and “47” with the caption, “cool shell formation on my walk.”
- “86” is widely recognized as slang for “eliminate,” while “47” refers to Donald Trump being the 47th president.
- Trump said on Fox News that Comey “knew exactly what that meant” and accused him of calling for the assassination of the president.
- Comey deleted the post and claimed he didn’t know about the violent association of “86.”
- Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said Comey should be jailed for essentially encouraging an attack on Trump.
The Rest of The Story:
Former FBI Director James Comey posted an image on Instagram of seashells arranged to form “86” and “47,” sparking immediate backlash.
While Comey claimed the photo was just a coincidence, many people took it as a coded message implying harm toward President Trump, who is the 47th president.
Just James Comey causally calling for my dad to be murdered.
This is who the Dem-Media worships. Demented!!!! pic.twitter.com/4LUK6crHAT
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 15, 2025
Comey later deleted the post and said he didn’t realize the numbers could be interpreted that way.
He claimed he thought the shells were a political message but denied any violent intent.
Still, critics, including Trump, weren’t buying it.
“He knew exactly what that meant. A child knows what that meant. If you’re the FBI director and you don’t know what that meant… that meant assassination,” Trump said.
🚨 @POTUS on former FBI Director James Comey's "86 47" threat: "He knew exactly what that meant. A child knows what that meant … That meant 'assassination.'" pic.twitter.com/LfOHKfSOFa
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 16, 2025
Commentary:
James Comey was the FBI Director.
He knows what “86” means.
He knows the weight of symbols and coded messages.
It’s simply not credible to believe that a man who led the nation’s top law enforcement agency didn’t understand the implications of “86/47.”
No, he may not be the one pulling a trigger — but that’s not the point.
When public figures post veiled suggestions like this, it energizes the worst corners of political extremism.
We’ve seen it happen before — from vandalized Teslas to two actual attempts on Trump’s life.
Comey’s post has already gone viral in online circles that feed on this kind of provocation.
The Secret Service would be knocking down someone else’s door for less — and it’s time they treat Comey the same way.
The Bottom Line:
Trump believes James Comey sent a deliberate and dangerous signal with his Instagram post.
He says Comey’s use of “86/47” was not a coincidence but a targeted message with violent undertones.
With past threats against Trump and a rising tide of political hostility, this sort of messaging is far from harmless.
Authorities should take it seriously — no matter who sent it.
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