Washington, May 16, 2025 — A cryptic post reading “86 47” has ignited outrage across the U.S. Many believe it suggests a veiled threat against former President Donald Trump. The post, reportedly shared by ex-FBI Director James Comey, quickly drew political and legal attention.
Congressman Andy Ogles reacted strongly. He claimed that “86” means “eliminate” in American slang, and “47” refers to Trump, who seeks to become the 47th U.S. President. Ogles interpreted the phrase as “kill 47,” and urged law enforcement to treat it as a threat.
Comey deleted the post soon after the backlash. He responded by saying he didn’t know the numbers had violent connotations. Despite that, the controversy intensified.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed they are investigating the post. A spokesperson said they are checking whether the phrase indicates a credible threat. They promised action if the post crosses legal boundaries.
FBI Director Kash Patel also acknowledged the incident. However, he clarified that the Secret Service leads any investigation into threats involving presidents.
Ogles raised another concern. He questioned whether Comey still has access to classified materials or security clearances. He demanded an inquiry to confirm if any risks remain.
Comey served as FBI Director until Trump fired him in 2017. That firing triggered multiple investigations and widened political rifts. The current post has revived those tensions.
The phrase “86 47” now symbolizes deep political divides. Supporters of Trump see it as a call for violence. Critics argue it might be an overreaction. Legal experts believe the investigation could set a precedent for how coded language is treated on social media.