Former FBI Director James Comey has come under federal scrutiny after posting an image on Instagram featuring seashells arranged to display the numbers “86 47”—a phrase many interpreted as a coded threat toward President Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States.
The phrase “86” is widely known as slang for removing or eliminating something. When paired with “47,” critics alleged the post could be seen as suggesting harm against the president. The image sparked backlash online and prompted a swift response from federal authorities.
Comey removed the post shortly after sharing it and stated that he had no intention of promoting violence. He clarified that the post was meant as political commentary and claimed ignorance of the phrase’s darker interpretations.
The U.S. Secret Service conducted an interview with Comey as part of an investigation to determine whether the post constituted a threat. While no charges have been filed, the inquiry remains active, with officials evaluating the context and potential consequences of public messages from high-profile figures.
The incident has reignited debate over the boundaries of political expression and the responsibilities of former officials when addressing sitting presidents—especially in a highly polarized climate.