The Instagram Post That Shook Washington
In May 2025, former FBI Director James Comey posted a seemingly innocuous Instagram photo, a beachside arrangement of seashells forming the numbers “86 47.” His caption: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.”
But within hours, the post went viral, not for its artistry, but for its alleged hidden meaning. Trump administration officials accused Comey of issuing a veiled assassination threat against the 47th U.S. president, Donald Trump.
Why Did “86 47” Cause an Uproar?
The controversy hinges on two interpretations:
- “47” = Donald Trump
- Trump is the 45th and 47th president (having served non-consecutive terms).
- His supporters frequently refer to him as “POTUS47.”
- “86” = A Dark Slang Term
- Originally, restaurant jargon meant “out of stock” or “remove.”
- Evolved into slang for ejection, termination, or even murder in criminal circles.
Critics, including Trump himself, claimed Comey, a seasoned law enforcement veteran, knew exactly what he was doing.
The Many Meanings of “86”
From Diners to Crime Novels
- 1930s-40s: Waitstaff used numerical codes like “81” (glass of water) or “86” (item unavailable).
- 1980s-Present: “86’d” expanded to mean kicking someone out (e.g., a rowdy bar patron).
- Criminal Underworld: In noir fiction (e.g., James Ellroy’s Widespread Panic), “86” implies murder.
Did Comey Intend a Threat?
Slang expert Jesse Sheidlower (Columbia University) says:
“Yes, ’86’ can mean ‘to murder,’ but without context, assuming that’s the intent is absurd.”
Comey later deleted the post, clarifying:
“I didn’t realize some associate these numbers with violence. I thought it was a political message.”
Trump’s Explosive Reaction
Trump called Comey a “dirty cop” on Fox News, alleging:
“He spent his career dealing with mobsters who use ’86’ to mean kill. He knew.”
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard echoed the claim, accusing Comey of “issuing a hit.”
A Longstanding Feud Reignited
This isn’t the first clash between Trump and Comey:
- 2017: Comey confirmed FBI probes into Trump-Russia ties. Trump fired him.
- 2018: A DOJ report found Comey mishandled memos but didn’t charge him.
- 2025: The “86 47” post reopens old wounds.
Was This a Misunderstanding or a Message?
Arguments For a Threat:
- Comey’s law enforcement background suggests he’d know criminal slang.
- Trump’s team has a history of interpreting vague statements as attacks.
Arguments Against:
- No prior evidence Comey supports violence.
- “86” is far more commonly used in harmless contexts (e.g., restaurants).