Comey's Cryptic Post Sparks Online Frenzy: Is '86' a Signal Against Trump?

2025-05-16
Comey's Cryptic Post Sparks Online Frenzy: Is '86' a Signal Against Trump?
The Washington Post

Former FBI Director James Comey, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, has ignited a social media firestorm with a seemingly innocuous post. The post, featuring the numbers '86' followed by '24' (referencing the year 2024), has led many to believe Comey is sending a coded message – and the internet is buzzing with speculation about its meaning.

Comey, known for his past clashes with Trump and his outspoken views on political matters, shared the post on his social media accounts. The brevity of the message and the inclusion of '86' have fueled intense online debate. While '86' traditionally signifies 'erase' or 'get rid of' in certain circles (particularly in the hospitality industry where it means 'no'), many are interpreting it within the context of Comey's ongoing criticism of the former president.

The addition of '24' further intensifies the speculation, as it directly relates to the upcoming 2024 presidential election. This has led to widespread theories that Comey is subtly hinting at a desire to 'erase' or remove Trump from power again. The internet sleuths are out in full force, dissecting the post for any hidden clues or deeper meaning.

Decoding the Message: What Does '86' Really Mean?

The ambiguity of the message is precisely what makes it so captivating. '86' has a variety of interpretations depending on the context. In the restaurant world, it's a common term for canceling an order. In slang, it can mean to eliminate or reject something. However, in the political sphere, the interpretation is far more loaded, particularly given Comey’s history and the current political climate.

Social Media Reactions: A Torrent of Speculation

The response to Comey's post has been overwhelming. Twitter, X, and other social media platforms are flooded with comments and analyses. Some users are dismissing it as a meaningless coincidence, while others are convinced it’s a deliberate signal. Many are sharing memes and jokes referencing the post, further amplifying its reach.

“Comey just dropped a truth bomb,” one user tweeted. “86 Trump in '24 – simple as that.”

Others are more skeptical. “It’s probably nothing,” another user commented. “People are reading too much into it. Comey is just being cryptic for attention.”

The Context Matters: Comey's History with Trump

To understand the significance of this post, it’s crucial to consider Comey’s history with Donald Trump. Comey famously led the FBI investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and publicly announced the agency’s decision to investigate Trump himself. He was subsequently fired by Trump, an event that further fueled the animosity between the two men.

Comey has consistently been critical of Trump's actions and policies since leaving the FBI. His appearances on television and his social media activity often reflect his disapproval of the former president.

The Bigger Picture: The 2024 Election

Ultimately, Comey's post is likely to be interpreted through the lens of the upcoming 2024 election. With Trump expected to run for president again, any perceived criticism or opposition to him is likely to be amplified and scrutinized. Whether Comey’s message is a genuine signal or simply a playful provocation, it has undoubtedly captured the attention of the nation and sparked a lively debate online.

The ambiguity of the message ensures it will continue to be dissected and debated in the weeks and months leading up to the election. Only time will tell if this cryptic post will have any lasting impact on the political landscape.

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