Raleigh, North Carolina — President Donald Trump criticized former FBI Director James Comey after a federal judge scheduled Comey’s criminal trial in North Carolina for July 15.
U.S. District Judge Louise Flanagan issued a written order Friday setting the trial date and postponing Comey’s first scheduled court appearance, which had been planned for Monday. Comey is facing federal felony charges tied to a since-deleted May 2025 Instagram post showing the numbers “86 47” arranged in seashells on a beach.
Prosecutors argue the phrase amounted to a threat against Trump, citing interpretations of “86” as slang for killing or eliminating someone. Comey has denied any violent intent and has said the phrase was misunderstood. His wife reportedly believed “86” referred to restaurant terminology, meaning to remove something from a menu.
Trump responded in two Truth Social posts, calling Comey “Pathetic!!!” and again labeling him a “dirty cop.” One post included a clip of Comey discussing the controversy on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has said the investigation involved more than the Instagram post. Comey is expected to enter a not guilty plea on June 30. The court set a May 29 deadline for a pretrial conference.
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