'Save your outrage': Trump officials slammed for frivolous probe of ex-FBI director

Eight years ago, on May 9, 2017, President Donald Trump fired James Comey as FBI director and made a point of humiliating him on Twitter, now X. Trump tweeted, "James Comey will be replaced by someone who will do a far better job, bringing back the spirit and prestige of the FBI. Comey lost the confidence of almost everyone in Washington, Republican and Democrat alike."

Then, in August 2017, Trump's nominee as a replacement, Christopher A. Wray, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate, 92-5, and Senate Democrats voted for him in big numbers. Wray remained as FBI Director during Joe Biden's presidency, but resigned in late 2024 when Trump said he would fire him after returning to the White House.

With Trump now almost four months into his second presidency, his MAGA allies still have it in for Comey. Both Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel are calling for an investigation of Comey because of an Instagram post that depicted seashells in the sand forming the numbers "86 47."

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The term "eight-six" is used to mean "eject" or "remove."

In a statement, Patel tweeted, "We are aware of the recent tweet by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump. We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director (Sean) Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support."

Noem is claiming that Comey was calling for violence against Trump. In a May 15 tweet, Noem wrote, "Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUS Trump. DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately."

Noem and Patel's call for an investigation of Comey is receiving a lot of responses on X.

Liberal firebrand and former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann told Noem, "Listen, you lying witch, he didn't call for assassinating anyone. Since you murdered your daughter's dog maybe you ought to STFU about this."

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Conservative Heather Lane defended Comey, tweeting, "He did not. 86 means to throw out. We knew they'd call for impeachment sooner or later. Save your outrage."

X user Dominic Favazzo said of Noem, "Why is the dog assassin involved anyway?"

Other X users reminded Noem that "86" doesn't automatically have a violent connotation — it could be a call for impeaching Trump, not a call for violence.

Brian Laufman wrote, "They never miss an opportunity to play the victim. To '86' something is to remove something. Remove 47. A sentiment much of the world would agree with. It doesn't mean 'kill', 'murder' or 'assassinate.' They choose that interpretation in order to play victim."

KrassenCast's Ed Krassenstin tweeted, "So now you are going after Americans for voicing free speech and calling for Trump's removal from Office? I knew you were tearing up the Constitution in regards to the 5th Amendment, but I guess it's also regarding the 1st."

X user Joel Richman wrote, "It’s restaurant jargon for cancel an order. Calm your extensions."

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