The Times: What Do the Numbers 86 and 47 Mean—And Are They a Call to Assassinate Trump?

A cryptic image posted online by former FBI Director James Comey has sparked media uproar in the United States, with some interpreting it as a veiled call to assassinate President Donald Trump. According to a report by The Times, the controversy centers around two numbers: 86 and 47, which appeared in a photo shared by Comey on Instagram.

A Hidden Message?

Comey’s now-deleted post featured a picture of seashells arranged to display the numbers 86 and 47. While seemingly innocent, observers noted that:

• • In American slang, “86” is widely used to mean “to get rid of” or “eliminate”—a definition confirmed by Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

• • “47” is commonly associated with Trump’s political aspirations, as he seeks to return to the White House as the 47th President of the United States.

The timing and symbolism of the post raised eyebrows, especially given the long-standing animosity between Trump and Comey, who was dismissed from his position by Trump in 2017.

Backlash and Investigations

Comey quickly deleted the photo and claimed that it was intended as a “political message,” not a call for violence. He insisted he was unaware of the potentially violent interpretations of the numbers.

But this explanation was met with skepticism, particularly from conservative lawmakers and Trump supporters. Donald Trump Jr. reacted furiously on X (formerly Twitter), accusing Comey of posting a “coded call to assassinate my father.”

In a separate statement, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed that the threat is being taken seriously and that both the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service have launched investigations into the matter.

Protest or Provocation?

Despite the backlash, the Times report notes that the “47–86” slogan has gained traction online as a symbol of peaceful resistance against Trump. Versions of the message appear on T-shirts, stickers, and posters available for sale on platforms like Amazon and Etsy.

The slogan’s popularity among anti-Trump circles is often framed as a cheeky, nonviolent form of protest—intended more to provoke than to incite.

Still, in a political climate marked by past assassination attempts and growing polarisation, such “coded” expressions can easily be interpreted as threats, regardless of their original intent.

Conclusion

While Comey may argue that his post was a form of political commentary, the controversy reflects a broader reality: in a deeply divided America, symbols matter—and so do numbers. Whether the photo was meant to provoke, protest, or something more sinister, it has reignited concerns over the escalating tone of political discourse—and what that could mean for the road to the 2024 U.S. elections.