Hegseth Aide Turns In Resignation: ‘I Promised A Year’

The phrase “86 47” has been used often by Trump critics, including fired FBI Director James B. Comey.

Last year, Comey posted a photo on Instagram of seashells on a beach forming the numbers “86 47,” prompting an inquiry by the U.S. Secret Service.

Last month, Ohio GOP Rep. Jim Jordan accused Comey of committing multiple offenses, including what he described as a threat against President Trump.

Jordan made the comments during an interview with Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer while discussing a social media controversy involving Comey.

“So this is what he posted on Instagram then took it down: 86-47,” Hemmer said. “As we all know, 86 is an old phrase for get rid of someone.”

Hemmer referenced Comey’s explanation that the image was simply something he noticed while walking on a beach in North Carolina.

Jordan rejected that explanation and argued the post carried a threatening meaning.

“Well, it’s is a crime to threaten the president. 18 USC Section 871. So you can’t do that. And he obviously did,” Jordan said.

“Now, he tries to tell us No, no, no. He was just strolling on the beach one morning drinking his coffee and the good lord washed up on shore and the shells formed 86-47 and he took a picture of it,” Jordan said.

“OK, that’s his story. I don’t think anyone buys that,” he added.

Jordan then broadened his criticism, tying the controversy to Comey’s role in the early Trump-Russia investigation.

“But you can’t threaten the president,” Jordan said. “I think it’s important to remember this is Jim Comey who started it all.”

“This 10-year attack on the president of the United States, on President Trump started with Comey,” he continued.

A federal judge has been assigned to preside over Comey’s case after the Justice Department issued new charges against him late last month.

U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan of the Eastern District of North Carolina was appointed by George W. Bush and is considered to be right-leaning, according to Ballotpedia.

In an interview last weekend, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche made it clear that Comey’s indictment was the result of a year-long investigation and had much more to it than his seashells photo posted to Instagram.