‘86 47’: Trump Claims Comey Wanted Him Dead, Calls Post ‘Assassination Code’

A political and legal storm has erupted in the United States after President Donald Trump accused former FBI Director James Comey of issuing a veiled death threat through the phrase “86 47.” The controversy centres on a social media post by Comey, which prosecutors now argue could constitute a threat against the sitting president.

Trump, in a sharply worded response, framed the phrase in explicit terms: “‘86’ is a mob term for ‘kill him.’ They say 86 him! 86 47 means ‘kill President Trump.’” He went further, adding: “James Comey… knows this full well! EIGHT MILES OUT, SIX FEET DOWN!”

Legal Action And Competing Interpretations

Federal prosecutors have taken a similarly firm stance, charging Comey with two counts linked to threatening the president’s life. According to the indictment, “a reasonable recipient… would interpret” the post as “a serious expression of an intent to do harm.”

However, that interpretation is being contested—not just politically, but culturally. Within the hospitality industry, where the term “86” is widely used, the reaction has been one of disbelief.

“It’s probably the most overused word in hospitality,” said Mike Reyes, an industry consultant, explaining that the phrase simply means an item is unavailable or needs to be removed.

“Any time you’re out of anything, it’s 86-ed,” he noted, describing it as routine workplace language. Restaurant owner David Brungoli dismissed the threat interpretation outright, calling it “ridiculous” and stressing that the term has “been used forever” to indicate that something is no longer available.

Origins Of ‘86’ And The Mob Narrative

The debate has expanded into the origins of the term itself—an area marked more by folklore than definitive history. Linguistic experts trace its use back to early 20th-century American dining culture, where it referred to sold-out menu items or customers being refused service.

Nicole Holliday, a linguistics professor, noted that the term dates back to at least the 1930s, reinforcing its long-standing non-violent usage. Merriam-Webster defines “86” as slang meaning “to throw out” or “to refuse service,” further complicating claims that it inherently implies violence.

Even within organised crime lore, the connection remains tenuous. Zach Jensen of the Mob Museum described the “8 miles out, 6 feet down” explanation as “a modern urban legend”, adding that there is “no documented evidence” linking the term’s origin to mob killings.

Still, Trump has doubled down on that interpretation, telling reporters: “If anybody knows anything about crime… it’s a mob term for kill him.”

He acknowledged alternative meanings but insisted the criminal usage was dominant in certain contexts.

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