Former FBI Director James Comey is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service after posting a cryptic photo on Instagram that many interpreted as a veiled threat against President Donald Trump.
The now-deleted post featured seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47,” a phrase some believe was a coded call to harm the 47th president. In slang, “86” can mean to eliminate or get rid of something, while “47” is widely associated with Trump’s current term.
Comey captioned the image with a seemingly innocent note about a “cool shell formation,” but public backlash was swift. He later removed the post and claimed he was unaware of any sinister interpretation. He reiterated that he does not condone violence of any kind.
The Secret Service confirmed it interviewed Comey to determine his intent. The agency takes all potential threats seriously, especially those involving public figures. No charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
President Trump publicly rebuked the post, accusing Comey of deliberate messaging and branding him as corrupt. The controversy adds another layer to the long-standing tensions between Trump and the former FBI chief, who was fired in 2017 during a politically charged period.
As authorities assess whether the post was careless or calculated, the incident has reignited debates over the responsibility of public figures in shaping political discourse—even through seemingly subtle messages.