In a week that’s already been heavy with political heat, the FBI found itself center stage—again. This time, the drama is tied to a cryptic Instagram post by former FBI Director James Comey, featuring seashells arranged to say “86 47.” That post lit up the internet like fireworks on the Fourth of July, and now Deputy Director Dan Bongino is firing back, calling the move “a total embarrassment” and accusing Comey of dragging the Bureau’s reputation through the mud once more.
The post, which Comey has since deleted, is being interpreted by Trump supporters—and even some neutral observers—as a coded threat to “get rid of” the 47th president, i.e., Donald Trump. Bongino, who was recently tapped by FBI Director Kash Patel to help clean up the Bureau’s image, didn’t hold back. He slammed Comey’s conduct, saying it “brings shame to the badge.”
Before diving deeper into what this “86/47” thing really means and why folks are so fired up, let’s break it down.
Dan Bongino Slams Comey’s ’86/47′ Post as ‘A Total Embarrassment’
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Controversy | James Comey posted “86 47” using seashells on Instagram—interpreted as a threat toward Trump. |
| Bongino’s Reaction | FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino called it “a total embarrassment” and “shameful.” |
| Meaning of ’86’ | “86” is American slang for “eliminate” or “get rid of,” and “47” refers to Trump. |
| FBI Reforms | Bongino and Patel claim to be undoing damage caused during Comey’s leadership. |
| Comey’s Defense | He deleted the post and claimed no malicious intent—but it’s under investigation. |
In today’s hyper-political world, even a beachy Instagram post can turn into a national firestorm. James Comey’s “86 47” post wasn’t just some artsy beach shot—it became a lightning rod for political controversy and brought fresh heat on the FBI. Dan Bongino’s fierce rebuke highlights a broader effort to reclaim the Bureau’s reputation and separate it from the political theatrics of years past.
And maybe that’s the biggest takeaway here: Trust in our institutions is fragile, and even those who no longer wear the badge can still tarnish it.
What Is the ’86/47′ Post, and Why Is It a Big Deal?
The phrase “86 47” might sound like a random set of numbers, but in the U.S., “86” is a well-known piece of restaurant and military slang. It means “get rid of” or “eliminate.” So when you pair that with “47,” many folks interpreted it as a veiled call to eliminate Trump, who is running to become the 47th President of the United States.
Comey’s Instagram post featured this phrase spelled out with seashells—no caption, no context. Critics were quick to pounce. Republicans in Congress drafted resolutions condemning the post. Others, including some on the left, admitted it was a risky move for someone who once led the nation’s top law enforcement agency.
The Secret Service has reportedly interviewed Comey. Though no charges have been filed, this incident adds another layer of tension to an already politically divided environment.
Dan Bongino’s Response: ‘He Shamed the Badge Again’
Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent turned conservative commentator, was appointed Deputy Director of the FBI earlier this year as part of a reform wave led by Director Kash Patel. Bongino has been vocal about rooting out what he sees as leftover corruption from the Comey-McCabe era.
Reacting to the post, Bongino said:
“This man [Comey] once held the highest rank in federal law enforcement. And yet he posts a cryptic, arguably dangerous message that many take as a threat? It’s shameful. He’s embarrassed the badge again.”
Bongino emphasized that internal reforms are being implemented to prevent similar reputational damage in the future, adding, “This isn’t just about optics. It’s about trust. If Americans can’t trust the FBI, then our foundation crumbles.”
The History Behind Comey vs Trump
Let’s not pretend this is the first time these two have gone at it.
- In 2017, Trump fired Comey over the handling of the Hillary Clinton email probe.
- Comey later launched a book tour and labeled Trump as “morally unfit to be president.”
- Trump called Comey a “liar” and “leaker,” blaming him for political witch hunts.
This “86/47” episode is just another chapter in a long-standing grudge match, with both men seemingly unable to move on.
So, Was It Actually a Threat?
Comey says no. After deleting the post, he told reporters he meant no harm and was “unaware” of how those numbers could be interpreted. But many aren’t buying that.
Why?
Because Comey is a former FBI director. Words and symbols matter. People in his former role are trained to know how coded language works—especially in politically sensitive environments. Critics argue it’s impossible he didn’t foresee how this could be taken.
Even if it wasn’t meant as a threat, it’s now the subject of serious public and legal scrutiny. A handful of watchdog groups have asked the Justice Department to review it for possible violations of federal laws regarding threats to public officials.
What This Means for the FBI Going Forward
Whether or not Comey intended to stir up trouble, he’s done just that. And the Bureau is caught in the crosshairs.
Bongino and Patel say they’re working overtime to restore the Bureau’s image. They’re launching:
- New social media policies for all current and former FBI employees.
- Internal audits on politically sensitive public statements.
- Training modules to rebuild public trust and enforce nonpartisan behavior.
These reforms are expected to roll out over the next few months and are part of a broader effort to “de-politicize the badge,” according to Bongino.
What Should the Public Take Away?
If you’re a regular American just trying to figure out why this story matters, here’s the deal:
- Accountability matters. Whether you’re a current agent or a former bigwig, your words carry weight.
- Symbols have power. Even a couple of seashells can cause a media storm if the context is explosive enough.
- Reforms are needed. People on both sides of the aisle are losing faith in government institutions. Restoring that trust should be priority #1.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What does “86 47” mean?
A: “86” is American slang for “get rid of,” and “47” refers to Donald Trump being the 47th president (if re-elected). Some interpreted this as a veiled threat.
Q: Did Comey admit he meant it as a threat?
A: No. He deleted the post and claimed he had no ill intent. But many remain skeptical given his background.
Q: Has the FBI taken any formal action against Comey?
A: No official charges have been filed, but the Secret Service has reportedly spoken to Comey about the post.
Q: What changes are being made at the FBI?
A: New social media and communication policies are being introduced to avoid political entanglements and rebuild public trust.
Q: Why is this story important?
A: It underscores how even symbolic gestures can have real-world consequences when coming from high-profile figures.
