What Does ‘86’ Mean? Term Referenced in Comey’s Social Media Post Has Changed Over Time
What Does ‘86’ Mean? Term Referenced in Comey’s Social Media Post Has Changed Over Time

Trump administration officials say that the term refers to assassination, but lexicologists say it emerged from diner slang.
Read the full article on NY Times Politics
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article appears mostly accurate, focusing on the different interpretations of the term "86" in the context of James Comey's social media post. There's a slight bias towards presenting the diner slang origin as the more credible interpretation, while acknowledging the Trump administration's view. The core claim about differing interpretations is supported by multiple sources.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** Trump administration officials say that the term refers to assassination.
- Verification Source #5: Supports this claim, stating "The Trump administration accused the former FBI director of insinuating a call to violence in his Instagram post".
- Verification Source #2: Supports this claim, mentioning Donald Trump Jr.'s interpretation as calling for his father to be murdered.
- Claim:** Lexicologists say it emerged from diner slang.
- This claim is not directly verified by the provided sources, but the general idea of differing interpretations is supported. The specific claim about lexicologists and diner slang is *not covered* by the provided sources. This relies on internal knowledge that "86" is a common term in the food service industry.
- Claim:** James Comey posted a photo of seashells that spelled “86 47.”
- Verification Source #1: Supports this claim, stating "James Comey… posting a photo of seashells that spelled “86 47.”
- Claim:** MAGA world erupted in fury over the social media post.
- Verification Source #3: Supports this claim, stating "MAGA world erupted in fury on Thursday night over a social media post from former FBI Director James Comey..."
- Verification Source #4: Supports this claim, mirroring the statement from Verification Source #3.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Agreement:** Multiple sources (Verification Source #1, #2, #3, #4, #5) agree that James Comey made a social media post involving "86" and that it sparked controversy.
- Agreement:** Verification Source #2 and #5 agree that the Trump administration interpreted the post as a threat or call to violence.
- Lack of Coverage:** The specific claim about "lexicologists" and the diner slang origin of "86" is *not covered* by the provided sources. This relies on internal knowledge.
- Potential Bias:** The article snippet highlights the lexicologist's interpretation, potentially framing it as more credible than the Trump administration's view. This contributes to a moderate bias.