Comey set for Secret Service interview over '86 47' social media post, AP source says

Yahoo! News - May 16th, 2025
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Former FBI Director James Comey is under investigation by the Trump administration following a controversial Instagram post that some Republicans claim was a veiled call for violence against President Donald Trump. The Secret Service is set to interview Comey to determine the intent behind his post, which featured seashells arranged in the numbers '86 47'. In popular slang, '86' can imply getting rid of something, and Trump, the 47th president, interpreted this as an assassination threat. The investigation involves multiple agencies, and any decision on charges will rest with Attorney General Pam Bondi. Comey has denied any malicious intent, stating he was unaware of the violent connotations associated with the numbers.

The incident adds another chapter to the fraught relationship between Trump and Comey, dating back to the early days of Trump's presidency. This tension began when Comey resisted Trump's request for personal loyalty, ultimately leading to his dismissal amid an FBI investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The current investigation not only reflects the lingering animosity between the two but also raises questions about free speech and the interpretation of social media content in political contexts. The outcome could have significant ramifications for how digital expressions are scrutinized and judged, particularly in politically charged environments.

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RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The story effectively covers a timely and controversial topic involving former FBI Director James Comey's social media post and its interpretation as a potential threat against President Trump. It provides a coherent narrative with clear language and structure, making it accessible to a broad audience. The article includes relevant context about the strained relationship between Comey and Trump, which enhances its depth.

However, the reliance on an anonymous source and the lack of diverse perspectives slightly undermine its credibility and balance. The story could benefit from additional expert analysis and independent sources to corroborate its claims and interpretations. Despite these limitations, the article remains relevant and engaging, with the potential to influence public opinion and provoke meaningful discussion on political accountability and the use of social media by public figures.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents a series of factual claims that align closely with the events as reported, such as the planned Secret Service interview of James Comey regarding his social media post. The article correctly identifies the post in question, '86 47,' and provides a plausible interpretation of its meaning based on Merriam-Webster's definitions. However, the article relies on an anonymous source for some of its information, which can affect the verifiability of the claims. The story accurately describes the ongoing investigation and the roles of Trump administration officials, though it could benefit from additional sources to confirm the interpretations and implications of the post.

6
Balance

The article presents the perspectives of both the Trump administration and James Comey, but it leans slightly towards the administration's interpretation of the social media post as threatening. It includes quotes from Trump and administration officials, but does not provide a substantial counter-narrative from Comey or independent experts. This imbalance could lead readers to perceive a bias towards the administration's viewpoint without fully exploring Comey's perspective or offering expert analysis on the interpretation of the post.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and logically structured, presenting the key events and claims in a coherent manner. The language is straightforward, making it accessible to a broad audience. However, the inclusion of specific jargon, such as the meaning of '86,' could be better explained for readers unfamiliar with such terms. Overall, the article maintains a neutral tone, though it could benefit from more detailed explanations of complex legal and linguistic interpretations.

5
Source quality

The story relies on information from an anonymous law enforcement official, which limits the transparency and reliability of the source. The use of anonymous sources is common in sensitive investigations, but it necessitates caution as it can hinder verification. The article also references statements from public figures like Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, which are credible but may carry inherent biases. Additional corroboration from independent sources or experts would enhance the story's credibility.

6
Transparency

The article provides some context regarding the strained relationship between Trump and Comey, which helps readers understand the background of the investigation. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodology used to interpret the social media post or the legal standards for assessing threats. The reliance on an anonymous source also reduces transparency, as readers cannot fully assess the credibility of the information provided.

Sources

  1. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/james-comey-under-investigation-posting-deleting-86-47-instagram-noem-says/