The U.S. Secret Service is reportedly reviewing a cryptic social media post made by former FBI Director James Comey, according to officials from former President Donald Trump’s administration.
The controversy stems from a post that included the phrase “86 47,” which Trump allies interpret as a veiled threat against the 45th president of the United States.
The post, shared on Comey’s personal X (formerly Twitter) account, read only “86 47,” accompanied by an image of the American flag. While Comey did not provide further explanation, critics, particularly former Trump officials, allege that the message may imply violence against Trump should he be reelected as the 47th president.
What Does “86 47” Mean?
The phrase has drawn attention due to its potential double meaning. In American slang, “86” can mean to eliminate or get rid of something. Combined with “47,” the number Trump would assume if reelected in 2024, some have interpreted it as an incitement to harm the former president.
Former Trump White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany and other allies have described the post as “dangerous rhetoric,” urging the Secret Service to evaluate the post for any credible threat.
“Every American should be concerned when a former FBI director uses coded language that could be construed as a call to violence,” said Ric Grenell, former acting Director of National Intelligence under Trump.
Secret Service Responds
The Secret Service has not publicly confirmed the status of any formal investigation but stated it is “aware” of the situation. In a statement to multiple media outlets, the agency said:
“The Secret Service is aware of the matter involving the social media post and is reviewing it in accordance with standard protocols.”
The Secret Service routinely investigates any statements or activity that could suggest a threat to current or former U.S. presidents. According to its mandate, the agency is tasked with protecting former presidents and their immediate families for life under the Former Presidents Act.
More information on its duties can be found on the U.S. Secret Service official website.
Comey’s Silence and Prior Political Involvement
Comey has not responded to the backlash or offered clarification on the post. Since his dismissal by Trump in 2017, Comey has been a vocal critic of the former president. He endorsed Joe Biden in 2020 and has warned about the implications of Trump returning to office.
In his 2018 memoir A Higher Loyalty, Comey described Trump as “morally unfit to be president,” further cementing his image as a political opponent of the former commander-in-chief. Despite this, legal experts caution against reading too much into the ambiguous post.
Legal Experts Urge Caution
Free speech protections under the First Amendment make it difficult to prosecute vague or coded messages unless there is a direct and imminent threat. Legal analysts emphasize that unless there is additional context suggesting intent or action, Comey’s post may fall under constitutionally protected expression.
“There’s a long legal tradition of interpreting threatening speech in context,” said Professor Ken White, a First Amendment attorney and former federal prosecutor. “On its face, ‘86 47’ is ambiguous. Without more evidence suggesting intent to incite violence, it’s unlikely this would meet the legal threshold for a true threat.”
The U.S. Department of Justice outlines prosecutable threats in its federal guidelines. According to 18 U.S. Code § 871, threats against former presidents can be considered criminal, but courts require a “willful” intent to threaten or harm, not mere offensive speech.
Political Reactions
Political reactions have been split along party lines. Republican lawmakers and Trump allies condemned Comey’s message and called for legal accountability.
“This is absolutely unacceptable,” tweeted Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA). “We must take this seriously and hold him accountable.”
Meanwhile, Democrats and civil liberties advocates defended Comey’s right to free speech and warned against weaponizing law enforcement for political purposes.
“There’s no threat here—just manufactured outrage,” said Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA). “We should not criminalize speech simply because it offends political rivals.”
Broader Concerns About Online Speech
The controversy over Comey’s post comes amid rising concerns about political violence and online rhetoric in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. The Department of Homeland Security has warned that “heated political discourse” is a growing driver of domestic extremist threats.
According to the DHS National Terrorism Advisory System, political violence inspired by conspiracy theories and online misinformation continues to pose a threat to public safety.
Analysts warn that ambiguous posts like Comey’s could inflame partisan divisions and further degrade public trust.
Conclusion
While the Secret Service continues its review, no charges or formal investigation have been publicly announced. Comey remains silent, and legal experts note that vague social media posts alone are rarely grounds for prosecution.
However, the incident underscores the volatile mix of politics, online communication, and public safety as the 2024 campaign season intensifies.
For further information on the Secret Service’s mission and authority, visit the U.S. Secret Service website.
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