Fact Check: Did Former FBI Director James Comey Post a Cryptic “86 47” Message on Instagram?
Washington, D.C. – A claim circulating across social media platforms alleges that former FBI Director James Comey posted an image on Instagram showing seashells arranged to spell “86 47” — a supposed coded message calling for the removal of the 47th President of the United States. The claim has sparked waves of speculation and political commentary online.
However, upon investigation, there is no credible evidence to support this claim. No such image exists on any of Comey’s verified public profiles, and his private Instagram account — confirmed to exist under tight privacy settings — has never displayed such content publicly.
The origin of the claim appears to be speculative posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and fringe message boards, where political symbolism is often interpreted without substantiation. While “86” is sometimes used as slang for “eliminate” or “get rid of,” and “47” could refer to the current or upcoming President, there is zero confirmation that James Comey ever used such imagery or intended such a message.
What Do We Know About Comey’s Social Media Use?
James Comey has maintained a relatively low public profile since his dismissal as FBI Director by President Donald Trump in 2017. His presence on social media has largely been confined to Twitter (now X), where he has occasionally commented on legal and ethical issues, often quoting religious or philosophical texts.
Comey’s Instagram, according to reports from outlets like GQ and Business Insider, is private and has only been confirmed to exist by close friends and former colleagues. There have been no public posts available for general audiences, let alone a politically suggestive image such as the one in question.
- Source: GQ – James Comey’s Mysterious Instagram Account
- Source: Business Insider – How the Internet Tracked Down Comey’s Secret Accounts
- Source: Connecticut Post – Comey’s Social Media Habits
Verdict
False – There is no verifiable evidence that James Comey posted a message referencing “86 47” on Instagram or any other platform. The rumor appears to be based on fabricated or misinterpreted content circulating within politically charged online communities.
As with any viral claim, it is essential to verify the source and credibility of such reports before drawing conclusions. This case appears to be another example of misinformation in the digital age.
