Former FBI Director James Comey responded this week to widespread criticism of a recent social media post that some interpreted as a veiled threat toward former President Donald Trump. The post, which featured an image of seashells arranged in the shape of the numbers “86” and “47,” sparked enough controversy to prompt a visit from the U.S. Secret Service. Comey removed the post shortly afterward and publicly clarified his intentions.
Speaking with MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace on Monday, Comey, 64, said he found it “hard to regret” sharing the image, which he described as a political message that he encountered during a beach walk with his wife. He emphasized that the idea to post the image came from her, not from any premeditated desire to send a coded message. According to Comey, the shell arrangement had been placed on the beach by someone else, and he only took a photo of what he believed was a creative expression.
“It never occurred to me that it was any kind of controversial thing,” Comey told Wallace. He added that he took the post down after learning that some people associate the numbers “86” and “47” with violent intent. In particular, the number “86” is sometimes used as slang to suggest elimination or removal, while “47” refers to Trump potentially becoming the 47th president if elected again.
Comey said he was made aware of the negative reaction by his wife, who had accompanied him on the beach. She reportedly suggested that the message was harmless and likened the “86” to a restaurant term for removing an item from the menu. Comey, recalling a childhood interpretation of “86” as meaning to leave or abandon a place, said he thought the message was clever and shared it on his Instagram account without further consideration.
One thing I’ve noticed about Comey. He’s never to blame for anything. Here he is throwing his wife under the bus for posting the picture, after some BS about how clever it is. Stupid doesn’t even begin to describe this jackass. pic.twitter.com/VQsT448Ejd
— Maggie Speaks (@MaggiesMusings) May 21, 2025
“I don’t want to be associated with violence of any kind,” Comey said, explaining his decision to remove the post. He also dismissed the interpretation that the image amounted to a threat. “That’s the kind of time we live in,” he said, referring to the public’s reaction.
The Secret Service reportedly reached out to Comey as part of standard procedures related to potential threats against a former or current president. No further details have been released by law enforcement regarding the nature of the conversation.
Comey has remained a public figure since departing the FBI in 2017, often offering commentary on matters involving Donald Trump. His tenure at the FBI included overseeing the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, which led to ongoing tension between him and Trump. Since leaving office, Comey has written several books about his time in government, including reflections on the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and his assessment of presidential conduct.
In his most recent writings, Comey has continued to critique Trump’s rhetoric, citing social media posts that he argues exceeded the boundaries of protected speech. In his view, Trump’s public attacks on political opponents encouraged hostile behavior and escalated political tensions.
NEW: @Comey was interrogated by the @SecretService after threatening Trump’s life. But Comey’s got books to sell — so he’s breaking his silence and blaming… his wife!@realDonaldTrump may have survived two assassination attempts, but Comey wants you to know that HE’S the real… pic.twitter.com/M09xS1yh92
— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) May 20, 2025
The controversy surrounding Comey’s Instagram post has added to the ongoing public discourse about political symbolism, freedom of expression, and the boundaries of responsible messaging in a highly polarized environment. As of now, there have been no reports of legal action against Comey stemming from the incident.
