Former FBI Director James Comey, appearing on Jen Psaki’s MSNBC show, said he returned to public life after Trump’s 2024 victory to “stand up and speak” against threats to the rule of law.
However, Comey sparked controversy after posting a now-deleted Instagram photo of seashells spelling “86 47,” widely interpreted as a veiled assassination threat against President Trump (the 47th president). The post prompted a Secret Service investigation and condemnation from Trump and officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Former DNI Tulsi Gabbard called the post a clear threat and accused Comey of knowingly using coded language linked to calls for violence, labeling his explanation as dishonest. The incident has intensified political tensions, with Comey defending his stance but facing severe backlash over the perceived implications of the post.
