Former FBI Director James Comey is back in the headlines—and not for anything resembling law enforcement. Instead, he’s making waves with a cryptic social media post and a fresh round of partisan potshots aimed squarely at the Republican Party.
Comey, whose legacy is already steeped in controversy, sparked outrage earlier this month after posting a photo of seashells spelling out “8647.” Many interpreted the image as more than just a beach-side arts-and-crafts project. In political shorthand, “86” is often slang for elimination, and “47” refers to Donald Trump’s bid to become the 47th president. The not-so-subtle message didn’t go unnoticed—especially by Trump himself.
In an appearance on MSNBC with Jen Psaki—President Biden’s former press secretary turned friendly cable host—Comey doubled down. Far from clarifying the post or walking it back, he launched into a full-blown critique of the Republican Party, describing it as “white supremacist adjacent.” In case there was any doubt about where he stands, Comey made it clear he views aligning with the GOP as a liability—especially within the FBI.
According to Comey, there are “cultural impediments” within law enforcement that discourage agents from associating with Republicans. Translation: If you lean right, expect your career in federal service to be a little less promising. That’s quite the accusation from someone who once led the bureau tasked with enforcing the law—not partisan loyalty.
Naturally, conservatives have pushed back. Fox News and the New York Post slammed Comey’s comments as inflammatory and divisive. Former President Trump fired back as well, accusing Comey of using the seashell stunt to stir up trouble. And given the former director’s track record, it’s not hard to see why critics don’t believe this was just a coincidence.
Let’s not forget: this is the same James Comey whose tenure at the FBI included the Clinton email saga, the FISA surveillance fiasco, and a politically charged handling of the Russia probe. His so-called neutrality has long been in question, and his latest comments only cement what many have suspected all along—that Comey is more comfortable campaigning from a TV studio than serving as a steward of justice.
Republican leaders have denounced Comey’s remarks as reckless and harmful. They argue that his rhetoric further undermines trust in law enforcement and unfairly paints conservatives with a broad, defamatory brush. His willingness to label an entire political party as dangerous is a far cry from the impartial professionalism once expected from the FBI’s highest office.
Comey’s media tour is a symptom of a deeper issue: the ongoing politicization of law enforcement and the mainstream media’s role in shaping that narrative. Conservatives continue to call for accountability and fairness—not coded threats and ideological litmus tests.
At a time when the nation desperately needs leaders to unite, Comey’s latest comments only widen the divide. The American people deserve better than a former FBI director playing politics with seashells and soundbites.