Did James Comey Just Threaten Trump? Instagram Post Sparks Secret Service Investigation
Former FBI Director James Comey is at the center of a brewing political controversy after posting—and swiftly deleting—a photo on Instagram that many interpreted as a coded threat against former President Donald Trump.
The image showed seashells arranged on a beach spelling out “86 47.” While Comey captioned it as a “cool shell formation,” critics pointed to the “86” slang meaning “get rid of,” and “47” referencing Trump as the 47th president, interpreting it as a veiled call to remove him—possibly through violence YouTube+14AP News+14CBS News+14Fox News+2AP News+2The Daily Beast+2Fox News+6The Wall Street Journal+6Fox News+6.
Shortly after posting, Comey deleted the photo. He explained that he believed the arrangement was political commentary and not a threat. He emphasized his opposition to violence and issued an apology for any misunderstanding AP NewsCBS News.
Despite his clarification, the Secret Service interviewed Comey, questioning him about the post. It remains uncertain whether criminal charges will follow CBS NewsAP News.
The case now falls under the review of newly appointed interim U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, a vocal Trump ally. She could play a key role if charges are pursued. Final decisions reside with Attorney General Pam Bondi, though speculation centers on whether federal law enforcement may act The Daily BeastThe Times of India.
President Trump said in a Fox News interview that even a child could understand the meaning of “86 47” and that Comey knew exactly what the message implied. Trump called the post “a terrible thing” and described Comey as a “dirty cop” AP News+14CBS News+14Fox News+14.
Current FBI Director Kash Patel publicly confirmed cooperation with the Secret Service:
“Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support.”
Former DNI Tulsi Gabbard criticized Comey’s explanation as implausible, arguing his long prosecutorial experience made ignorance unlikely AP News+4CBS News+4Fox News+4.
Reports also indicate that Comey was surveilled after posting the photo—Secret Service tracked him physically and digitally, even tailing him with unmarked cars from a coastal vacation spot back to Washington, DC The Daily Beast.
Legal analysts dub prosecution unlikely—but Republicans and MAGA figures demand action. They view this as yet another chapter in the long-standing feud between Trump and Comey, who fired him in 2017 amid the Russia investigation The Wall Street JournalThe Wall Street JournalElHuffPost.
Comey called the controversy “a bit of a distraction” during a promotional event for his new crime novel, FDR Drive, which explores whether words and imagery can incite violence. He reiterated feeling blindsided by the interpretation and quickly pulled the post to distance himself from any violent implication
