Trump accuses Comey of thinly-veiled social media threat

 May 17, 2025

President Donald Trump has criticized James Comey over a now-deleted social media post that he interpreted as a threat, and the debate stems from a post by the former FBI director that many believe incited violence.

Trump has accused Comey of sending a veiled assassination threat through a social media post, though Comey deleted it and apologized, claiming he was unaware of any violent connotations, as Fox News reports.

In the controversial post, Comey shared an image of seashells arranged to form the numbers "86 47" with the caption highlighting his beach walk.

The numbers were interpreted by Trump as a cunning suggestion to remove him, referencing "86" slang for getting rid of someone and "47" as a nod to his presidency.

Comey deletes post, offers explanation

After the post drew attention and backlash, Comey deleted it and issued an apology. In his statement, he maintained that violence was never his intention and stated that he had not anticipated how the numbers might be interpreted.

"I didn't realize some folks associate those numbers with violence," he expressed, distancing himself from any violent implications.

Despite the apology, Trump remains unconvinced about Comey's innocence, suggesting that even a child could decipher the meaning. He shares the suspicion of many that Comey knew very well what the numbers conveyed, citing the former FBI director's past actions.

Trump has mentioned ongoing investigations by the Justice Department and the U.S. Secret Service regarding the incident. While Trump refrained from demanding penalties for Comey, he questioned his character, referencing previous criticisms by labeling him a "dirty cop."

Trump highlights international successes

Moving on from the controversy, Trump shifted focus to his foreign policy achievements during an interview with Fox News' Bret Baier, outlining successes in international diplomacy. He claims to have averted potential nuclear conflict by brokering peace between India and Pakistan, stating, "That was going to be a nuclear war, I think."

Trump also underscored economic deals and investments secured with Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, boosting the U.S. economy with billions.

His remarks critiqued current leadership, targeting President Joe Biden’s handling of Middle Eastern affairs.

Trump’s perspective on easing Syrian sanctions and leveraging economic pressure on Russia was discussed, framing his approach as strategic peace enforcement. He noted, "I’m using trade to settle scores and to make peace," signaling a preference for peaceful resolutions over violent measures.

Security concerns linger over assassination attempts

Security concerns regarding assassination attempts on Trump emerged during the conversation. He revealed two incidents targeting him during the 2024 campaign, mentioning suspicious activities by a specific suspect.

One suspect, described by Trump, carried 18 cell phones -- an unusual number that raised red flags for the president. Trump shared his equilibrium between assurance from officials regarding his safety and personal beliefs, stating, "They tell me it’s fine.”

While he expressed doubt over safety assurances, Trump's comments on his ongoing vulnerabilities and sense of threat were evident. Despite security complexities, Trump highlighted the seriousness of these attempts, which remain under investigation.

Unfolding fallout as probe continued

As the investigations proceed, the fallout of Comey’s post continues to stir tension. President Trump's public remarks underscore his distrust of Comey's narrative and highlight broader themes of security and diplomacy.

His portrayal of international efforts demonstrates a multifaceted dialogue focused on past achievements and current risks.

The ongoing analysis of Comey's intent and Trump's concerns about safety reflects broader implications for political discourse and public accountability. President Trump’s narrative intertwines personal security with his diplomatic accolades, presenting a comprehensive angle on recent developments.

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