By Steve Neavling
The Trump administration is investigating former FBI Director James Comey over an Instagram post that officials claim was a veiled threat against President Trump, sparking swift condemnation from top members of Trump’s cabinet.
The post, which Comey later deleted, showed seashells arranged to read “86 47”—a phrase often used by critics of Trump, the 47th president, The New York Times reports. While “86” is slang for removing or getting rid of something, some administration officials interpreted it as a call for violence. Comey later said he wasn’t aware the phrase could be seen that way and insisted he did not intend to encourage violence.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Comey of “calling for the assassination” of Trump and said both DHS and the Secret Service are investigating. FBI Director Kash Patel said his agency would support the probe, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard appeared on Fox News to call for Comey’s arrest.
“James Comey, in my view, should be held accountable and put behind bars,” Gabbard said.
The phrase “86 45” has previously stirred controversy. In 2020, Trump’s campaign criticized Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after the number appeared on a pin behind her during a TV interview, calling it a reference to killing the president. Since then, similar slogans targeting both Trump and President Biden—like “86 46”—have appeared on clothing and protest signs.
During the 2024 campaign, Trump’s own social media accounts featured violent imagery, including a video showing Biden hogtied on the back of a truck.
