Wafric News – May 16, 2025

Former FBI Director James Comey is under federal investigation after posting—and subsequently deleting—a cryptic Instagram photo featuring seashells arranged to read “86 47.” The numbers have sparked controversy, with some interpreting them as a veiled threat against President Donald Trump, the 47th U.S. president.

The term “86” is slang for “eliminate” or “get rid of,” and when paired with “47,” it has been construed by critics as a coded message calling for the president’s removal. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other Trump allies have condemned the post, prompting investigations by the Secret Service and FBI. Noem labeled the post a “potential threat,” while FBI Director Kash Patel joined calls for a thorough probe .

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Comey, who was dismissed by Trump in 2017 during the Russia probe, has denied any malicious intent. He explained that he had photographed the shell arrangement during a beach walk and was unaware of its violent connotations. Upon realizing the controversy, he deleted the post and emphasized his opposition to violence .

The incident has reignited tensions between Comey and Trump, who have had a contentious relationship since Comey’s dismissal. The investigation is ongoing, and federal authorities are examining whether the post violated any laws or posed a legitimate threat.

This development underscores the heightened sensitivity surrounding political rhetoric and the potential consequences of ambiguous messages in the current climate.


By Wafric News Desk.