Dan Bongino, the deputy director of the FBI, criticized former FBI director James Comey on Saturday, accusing him of making threats against President Donald Trump. Bongino suggested Comey needs to clarify his confusing actions since leaving his position.
In a lengthy post on X, Bongino claimed that he and FBI director Kash Patel are responsible for overseeing “the world’s most powerful law enforcement agency.” They bear the duty to ensure that previous agents do not repeat past mistakes.
Bongino noted, “While the FBI isn’t primarily tasked with investigating threats to the President, it does have the ability to assist other federal bodies if federal laws are breached.”
Bongino also said it is crucial to address matters concerning former FBI officials and allegations regarding legal violations.
He expressed, “Recently, Comey has brought disgrace to the FBI through his actions.”
Though Bongino mentioned he couldn’t disclose all the reforms he and Patel are implementing, he assured that progress is being made. He lamented that many issues stem from Comey’s poor decision-making and harsh leadership style.
His remarks seemed to reference Comey’s recent social media post, which included an image of a shell on the beach alongside the phrase “86 47.” Bongino interpreted this as a violent threat to Trump.
Breitbart News speculated that “86” could signify “exclusion” while “47” might refer to Trump, possibly alluding to him being the 47th president.
This situation follows two attempted assassinations against Trump in 2024.
Bongino mentioned that Comey has been a persistent critic of Trump since his dismissal during the first Trump administration and had endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the previously held election.
Following the news about Comey’s post, Trump responded, seemingly unfazed, stating, “He knows what that implies.” He remarked, “If you’re the FBI director and can’t interpret that, it signals assassination—he’s not very capable, but he understands that much.”
Earlier this year, Trump announced Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, as the new deputy director for the FBI. Trump has also collaborated with Kash Patel, who confirmed Bongino’s new role, ensuring that “equity, justice, and law and order will be restored in America.”
