DOJ Indicts Comey Again, This Time for “Liking” Sea-Shell Art
NEWS & RESEARCH
The US Justice Department has indicted former FBI Director James Comey on two felony counts of threatening President Trump. The charges stem from Comey “liking” a May 2025 Instagram post featuring a beach shell formation displaying the numbers "86 47," which prosecutors argue is a veiled threat meaning to "eject" or "cancel" the 47th president. The DOJ alleges the image constitutes a "serious expression of intent to do harm." This marks the second time Comey has faced charges by the current Administration. The prior case for allegedly lying to Congress was dismissed. Acting AG Todd Blanche is reportedly under pressure to indict Trump’s perceived enemies.
ANALYSIS & OPINION
Legal analysts criticized the indictment as a politically motivated act of retribution by the Trump administration. According to Jack Smith, the special counsel who indicted Trump twice, “We have a Department of Justice today that targets people for criminal prosecution simply because the president doesn’t like them.” The Esquire piece frames the Comey indictment as part of a broader "revenge fantasy," noting that the administration’s obsession with Comey has also extended to his daughter Maurene, who was fired from her role as a federal prosecutor. The piece in USA Today calls Trump’s DOJ a “clown show of revenge cases.”
SOURCES: USA Today | Esquire | New York Times
HOW TO FIX IT
Take legal action against retaliatory prosecutions.
Federal action:
Pass the Prohibiting Political Prosecutions Act of 2026, which prohibits government attorneys from being influenced by the political association, activities, or beliefs of a person in determining whether to take legal action against the person.
Reform the criminal code to avoid selective enforcement.
Codify the Principles of Federal Prosecution.
Bring disciplinary action against DOJ officials who engage in revenge prosecutions.
Legislation: S.3874 - Prohibiting Political Prosecutions Act of 2026
