Secret Service tracks James Comey without warrant after Instagram post

In May 2025, James Comey, the former FBI Director, posted a photo on Instagram while on vacation in North Carolina. The photo depicted seashells arranged to spell out '86 47,' a reference interpreted as a call to 'throw out' President Donald Trump, the 47th president. Following the post, which was viewed as controversial by Trump supporters, the Secret Service conducted an investigation that included surveilling Comey without obtaining a warrant. Although Comey posed no threat as he was away on vacation and Trump was abroad, the Secret Service tracked him via unmarked cars and monitored his cellphone location. The use of such surveillance methods typically requires court approval, raising legal and ethical concerns regarding the agency's actions. This situation highlighted a broader issue regarding the agency’s approach to potential threats, especially considering past failures to ensure the safety of the president. Even though Comey apologized for the post, the subsequent actions taken by the Secret Service were seen as excessive, especially since Comey had no violent history and was returning home from vacation. Critics have called for more scrutiny of law enforcement's use of surveillance in instances where the threat level is not as high as portrayed.