James Comey’s seashell stunt has sparked a firestorm. According to Fox News, the former FBI director’s Instagram post, flaunting "86 47," has drawn fierce rebuke from FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, who accused Comey of tarnishing the agency’s reputation yet again. Conservatives see this as another misstep from a man who never learned that actions have consequences.
On Thursday, Comey posted a photo of seashells arranged to spell "86 47," a phrase many interpret as a call to "get rid of" the 47th president. Bongino condemned the act, stating Comey’s leadership failures continue to haunt the FBI. The U.S. Secret Service is now investigating, proving even deleted posts can’t escape scrutiny.
Comey, fired by President Donald Trump in 2017, claimed ignorance, saying he didn’t know "86 47" implied violence. Trump, on Fox News, wasn’t buying it, insisting Comey knew it screamed "assassination." A child could see through that excuse, yet Comey expects us to believe he’s clueless.
The Instagram post, deleted after backlash, ignited fury across conservative circles. Bongino, a former NYPD officer and Secret Service agent, took to X on Saturday to slam Comey’s actions. He called them a shameful stain on the FBI’s badge, a sentiment echoing years of frustration with Comey’s tenure.
Bongino’s X post didn’t mince words: Comey’s latest move is another mess for him and FBI Director Kash Patel to clean up. The duo, appointed to reform the agency, face a steep climb undoing damage from Comey’s era. It’s a tough job when your predecessor keeps tossing grenades from the sidelines.
Trump, speaking Friday, doubled down, saying Comey’s post was no innocent mistake. He argued anyone with Comey’s experience would know the phrase’s dark undertones. The former president’s bluntness cuts through Comey’s flimsy defense like a hot knife through butter.
The U.S. Secret Service interviewed Comey over the post, signaling the gravity of the situation. While the FBI isn’t leading the probe, Patel confirmed they’re supporting other agencies. This isn’t just a PR headache; it’s a federal matter demanding accountability.
Comey’s follow-up statement, claiming he meant no harm, rings hollow to many. "I didn’t realize some folks associate those numbers with violence," he said. For a former FBI director, such naivety strains credulity, especially when the internet exploded with interpretations of his post.
Bongino, appointed deputy director earlier this year, emphasized his and Patel’s mission to restore the FBI’s integrity. He noted they’re tackling "grave mistakes" from Comey’s time. It’s a polite way of saying Comey left a dumpster fire that’s still smoldering.
In his X statement, Bongino vowed reforms are underway, though he can’t share details. "When you see what the Director and I see from the inside, it’s even worse," he said. That’s a chilling hint at the chaos Comey’s leadership left behind.
Bongino addressed the issue before his Sunday Fox Business interview with Maria Bartiromo, recorded earlier. He wanted to set the record straight, knowing Comey’s post would dominate headlines. Smart move—get ahead of the narrative before it spirals further.
Patel, meanwhile, stressed the FBI’s role in supporting investigations like this one. While they don’t call the shots on presidential threat probes, they’re not sitting on the sidelines. It’s a team effort to ensure no one, not even a former director, is above the law.
Comey’s defenders might argue he’s just a private citizen now, free to post what he wants. But when your seashell art hints at ousting a president, expect pushback. Freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences, especially for someone of Comey’s stature.
Bongino’s closing X remark, "God bless America, and all those who defend Her," struck a patriotic chord. It’s a reminder that he and Patel see themselves as guardians of an institution battered by Comey’s missteps. Their work is cut out for them, and they’re not backing down.
This saga underscores a broader truth: the FBI’s reputation hinges on trust, not clever beach crafts. Comey’s post, intentional or not, fuels division at a time when unity is sorely needed. Perhaps it’s time he leaves the seashells to the tide and lets the agency heal.
