According to the New York Post, A cryptic Instagram post by former FBI Director James Comey has sparked fury, with seashells spelling “86 47” seen by some as a veiled threat against President Trump.
On Friday, May 16, 2025, Comey posted the image, prompting swift backlash and a Secret Service interview, as “86” means “get rid of” and Trump is the 47th president. The post was deleted amid outrage, but not before FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino and Director Kash Patel condemned Comey’s actions. Comey, fired by Trump in 2017, has long been a lightning rod for controversy.
“Former Director Comey brought shame to the FBI badge,” Bongino declared, slamming what he called a pattern of failed leadership. His words resonate with conservatives tired of elites playing coy with dangerous rhetoric. Comey’s claim that he “opposes violence” and removed the post feels like a dodge to many.
President Trump, who survived two assassination attempts, including one in July 2024 that grazed his ear, didn’t mince words. “A child knows what that meant,” he told Fox News, calling the post an incitement to assassination. The Secret Service’s involvement underscores the gravity of such symbols in today’s heated climate.
Comey’s tenure as FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 ended with his firing, which triggered the Mueller investigation into Trump’s campaign. His decision to reopen the Hillary Clinton email probe weeks before the 2016 election still rankles progressives. Yet, his latest stunt has conservatives crying foul over reckless provocation.
“It never occurred to me,” Comey said, claiming ignorance of the post’s implications. That excuse rings hollow when “86 47” so clearly aligns with Trump’s presidency. Actions have consequences, and Comey’s backpedaling only fuels distrust.
Bongino, a former Secret Service agent turned radio host, and Patel, the FBI Director for two months as of May 16, 2025, are tasked with managing a 38,000-strong agency with a $12 billion budget. They’ve spent much of their time, Bongino says, “cleaning up messes” left by Comey. The duo’s frustration is palpable as they navigate the fallout from his latest misstep.
“The Director and I are responsible for ensuring past mistakes never happen again,” Bongino stated, hinting at reforms to restore the FBI’s credibility. Patel echoed this, promising a “wave of transparency” on issues like the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and the Crossfire Hurricane probe. Their commitment offers hope to those weary of bureaucratic opacity.
Patel revealed that new details about Crossfire Hurricane, which investigated Trump’s campaign for Russian ties, emerged just last week. “They lied to the American public,” he said, accusing predecessors of hiding documents. Such revelations stoke conservative anger over perceived abuses of power.
“Just give us a week or two,” Patel told Fox News, teasing the release of materials on Crossfire Hurricane and January 6. This timeline suggests a bombshell could drop soon, potentially reshaping public views of the FBI’s past actions. Conservatives are watching closely, eager for accountability.
Bongino defended their pace, noting they’ve been in their roles for only two months. “You want this done right or quickly?” he asked, a fair point for an agency long criticized for overreach. Patience may be key, but the public’s trust hangs in the balance.
Comey’s “86 47” post isn’t just a social media blunder; it’s a reminder of the FBI’s turbulent history under his watch. His firing in 2017 set off a chain reaction, and now his cryptic message reignites old wounds. The man seems to have a knack for stirring the pot.
Patel and Bongino’s pledge to clean house signals a shift toward openness, a stark contrast to Comey’s era of controversy. “Sadly, many agenda items are the result of Comey’s poor decision-making,” Bongino lamented. It’s a damning verdict from those now holding the reins.
Trump’s allies see Comey’s post as more than a misstep—it’s a dangerous escalation in a nation already on edge. The Secret Service’s swift response shows how seriously such rhetoric is taken. Comey may claim innocence, but intent matters less than impact.
As Bongino and Patel work to reform the FBI, Comey’s shadow looms large. Their promise of transparency could finally expose the missteps of his tenure, offering closure to a divided nation. For now, conservatives cheer their efforts, hoping truth will outshine cryptic seashells.
