Trump makes explosive claim James Comey's deleted post was deliberate "assassination" signal as feds investigate
It's the social media post that raised eyebrows and sparked swift reaction.
Now, former President Donald Trump is making a stunning accusation about its true meaning.
The Cryptic Numbers That Sparked Outrage
Former FBI Director James Comey recently shared a photo on Instagram featuring seashells arranged to form the numbers "86 47."
The caption read: "Cool shell formation on my beach walk."
Almost immediately, the post drew significant backlash online.
Many interpreted the numbers as a coded message.
"86" is often used as slang meaning to "get rid of" or eliminate, particularly in a context of removal from a place.
"47," critics contended, was a clear reference to Donald Trump, who holds the distinction of being the 47th President of the United States.
The implication, according to those critics, was deeply disturbing.
Comey's Response and the Authorities' Involvement
Following the uproar, Comey deleted the controversial post.
He also issued a statement addressing the controversy.
I didn't realize some folks associate those numbers with violence. It never occurred to me but I oppose violence of any kind so I took the post down.
Despite his explanation, the incident triggered formal action.
The U.S. Secret Service reportedly met with Comey regarding the post.
The Justice Department is also said to be investigating the matter.
Trump Weighs In With Strong Language
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier from Abu Dhabi, President Trump did not mince words when discussing Comey's post.
He dismissed Comey's claim of ignorance about the numbers' meaning.
He wasn't very competent. But he was competent enough to know what that meant. And, he did it for a reason.
Trump insisted that the former FBI director was fully aware of the interpretation.
He knew exactly what that meant. A child knows what that meant.
He suggested that Comey's past actions should be considered by investigators.
If he had a clean history – he doesn’t, he’s a dirty cop … I could understand if there was a leniency. But I’m going to let them make that decision.
Beyond the Post: Diplomacy and Investigations
During the wide-ranging interview, President Trump also touched on his foreign policy efforts, highlighting recent trips and perceived successes in brokering deals in the Middle East and elsewhere.
He spoke about leveraging trade to achieve peace and secure economic investments.
He cited the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan as a significant achievement, one he claimed averted potential nuclear conflict.
Trump also referenced the ongoing war in Ukraine, suggesting Russian President Vladimir Putin is growing "tired" and that he could potentially use economic leverage for peace talks, if necessary.
He drew a stark contrast with the previous administration's approach to foreign affairs.
It’s a great region, but it was never treated properly. And it was certainly not treated well by Biden, who didn’t know he was alive, frankly.
The conversation also inevitably turned to the investigations into assassination attempts against him during the 2024 campaign.
He revealed that he has been briefed, but still has questions about the motives and details surrounding the suspects.
Referencing the Butler, Pennsylvania incident where he was grazed by a bullet, Trump mentioned unusual findings on the assailant's phone, including "Very unusual apps. And two of them were foreign apps."
He also noted the strange detail of one suspect having "18 cell phones."
The Shocking Core Claim
But the focus returned to Comey's deleted social media activity.
In the most direct and forceful statement of the interview regarding the post, President Trump laid bare his interpretation of the "86 47" numbers.
If you're the FBI director, and you don't know what that meant – that meant assassination, and it says it loud and clear.
President Trump stated unequivocally his belief that Comey's post was not an innocent mistake, but a deliberate signal with a chilling implication.
The Justice Department and Secret Service investigations into the matter are ongoing.
