Kristi Noem Slams Comey Over Trump Post \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says federal officials are investigating a now-deleted Instagram post by former FBI Director James Comey. The post, featuring seashells shaped like “86 47,” was interpreted by Trump allies as a veiled threat. Comey has denied any intent to incite violence, stating he removed the image once its interpretation was flagged.
Quick Looks
- Kristi Noem said DHS and Secret Service are investigating James Comey’s social media post.
- The Instagram post showed seashells shaped to resemble the numbers “86 47.”
- Trump officials and allies claim the numbers signal a threat to the 47th president.
- Merriam-Webster notes “86” is slang for “remove” or “kill,” but rarely used in this context.
- Comey deleted the post, saying he didn’t realize the potential association with violence.
- Trump Jr. and White House deputy James Blair accused Comey of inciting violence.
- FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed coordination with the Secret Service.
- Comey was fired by Trump in 2017 during the Russia investigation.
- The former FBI director is currently promoting his new novel FDR Drive.
- Comey emphasized in a follow-up that he opposes all forms of violence.
Deep Look
From Beach to Backlash: The James Comey ‘86 47’ Post and the National Fallout
What began as a cryptic beach photo posted by former FBI Director James Comey has spiraled into a national controversy, now drawing scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Secret Service, and lawmakers. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed Thursday that federal authorities are investigating the post, which critics allege subtly advocates violence against former and current President Donald Trump, the nation’s 47th president.
The incident has not only reignited the long-simmering feud between Trump and Comey but has also underscored the volatility of social media in a politically charged climate—and raised uncomfortable questions about symbolism, intent, and the line between free expression and perceived threats.
The Post That Sparked It All
Comey’s now-deleted Instagram post featured a photo of seashells arranged on the sand in the shape of the numbers “86 47.” The caption: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.”
To some, it looked innocuous—artsy even. But among conservative circles and Trump loyalists, the numbers carried sinister implications. The slang term “86” is often used in service and military vernacular to mean “cancel,” “remove,” or “eliminate,” with a lesser-known usage implying “to kill.” When paired with “47”—a reference to Trump’s presidency—it was seen as a veiled threat or coded call for violence.
The backlash was swift. Kristi Noem, among other prominent Republicans, labeled it a security threat. “DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately,” she said in a post Thursday. The White House echoed similar concerns, noting that Trump was abroad in the Middle East at the time, raising the stakes for presidential safety.
Comey Responds: Denial, Then Deletion
After the post sparked outrage, Comey took it down and offered a brief clarification:
“I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message. I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence. It never occurred to me, but I oppose violence of any kind so I took the post down.”
His explanation did little to cool tempers. Donald Trump Jr. called it “an explicit call to murder,” while White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair went so far as to say the post was a “clarion call to terrorists and hostile regimes.”
Law Enforcement Now Involved
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the agency was “aware of the post” and that he was working with the Secret Service and DHS Director Noem to determine if there was any credible threat or violation of federal law. The investigation centers not only on the intent of the post but on whether it violates laws related to threats against the president or incitement.
This comes during a time of heightened tension over online rhetoric and political violence, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 election cycle, where Trump remains a central figure in the national discourse.
Symbolism and Semantics: What Does ‘86’ Really Mean?
The term “86” has long existed in American slang, with roots in diner culture, bar lingo, and even military jargon. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary says the term typically means “to throw out” or “refuse service to,” and while some modern usages may imply killing or violence, that definition is not widely formalized.
Still, the interpretation of the post—especially paired with the number “47”—was enough to create real concern within the administration and among Trump’s inner circle. The situation highlights how subjective meanings, once confined to niche groups or slang dictionaries, can now be interpreted (or misinterpreted) by a global audience in seconds.
A Tumultuous History: Comey vs. Trump
This isn’t the first time James Comey has been at odds with Donald Trump. Appointed FBI Director by President Obama in 2013, Comey’s tenure was cut short in 2017 when Trump abruptly fired him amid the bureau’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. That decision led to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller and deepened partisan divides.
Since then, Comey has emerged as a public commentator and author. His memoir, A Higher Loyalty, recounted his version of events during the Trump presidency and was adapted into a Showtime series. His current project? Writing crime fiction. His latest novel, FDR Drive, is set to be released this Tuesday.
Some critics have questioned the timing of the controversial post, suggesting it could have been an intentional ploy for attention amid his book launch. Others argue it’s a stretch to assume malicious intent over an abstract image.
The Broader Implications: Social Media and Political Speech
Whether Comey’s post was a misguided attempt at political symbolism, a misunderstood artistic image, or something more, the episode is another example of how public figures must navigate the minefield of digital communication. In a world where content is consumed and interpreted in seconds, a seemingly innocuous post can quickly take on a life of its own.
For Comey, it may be a cautionary tale. For Homeland Security, it’s now a formal investigation. And for a deeply divided American public, it’s one more flashpoint in a time where political rhetoric and national security are increasingly intertwined.
As investigations continue, and as Comey promotes his new book, the question lingers: Was this a cryptic joke gone wrong—or something darker?
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