Joe Rogan Critiques Indictment of James Comey Over Alleged Threats

Podcast Host Joe Rogan Weighs In

Joe Rogan, the host of a popular podcast, has expressed his disapproval regarding the indictment of former FBI director James Comey, labeling the situation as "absurd" and "ridiculous." He cautioned that this case could create a troubling precedent for free speech. A federal grand jury in North Carolina has charged Comey with two counts related to alleged threats against former President Donald Trump. Prosecutors claim these charges are linked to a May 2025 Instagram post where seashells were arranged to depict the numbers "86 47." They argue that this could be interpreted as a threat against the 47th president, referencing the slang meaning of "86" as to "eliminate" or "kill," depending on the context. Comey, who has been a vocal critic of Trump, has denied any intention of violence, stating that interpreting the post as a threat is "insane" and confirming his intention to fight the charges in court.

During his podcast, Rogan remarked, "It's absurd to arrest someone for this… it's just like arresting a guy for that is ridiculous." He further commented, "The issue with these actions is that it sets a dangerous precedent… '86 47' means to eliminate 47… but arresting someone for that is just absurd."

The Department of Justice has stated that the indictment alleges breaches of federal laws concerning threats against the president, including regulations that forbid making or transmitting communications that could be reasonably seen as a serious intent to inflict harm. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche remarked, "Threatening the life of the President of the United States is a serious breach of our nation's laws." He noted that the indictment arises "at a time when this country has seen violent incitement followed by deadly actions against President Trump and other officials," asserting that "anyone who threatens the life of the President will face consequences." Trump, on his Truth Social platform, commented: "'86' is a term used by mobs to mean 'kill him'… '86 47' signifies 'kill President Trump.'" This case has sparked broader discussions online, with some users pointing out instances where the phrase "86 46" was used during Joe Biden's presidency, raising concerns about consistency in enforcement. Legal analysts suggest that the case will likely focus on how courts interpret online speech and whether the post constitutes a legitimate threat. If found guilty, Comey could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years. He has stated his intention to contest the charges, adding, "I still have faith in the independent federal judiciary… so, let's proceed."