Former CIA Director John Brennan is under fire after delivering a stunningly weak defense of former FBI Director James Comey, whose cryptic “86 47” beach photo post set off a political firestorm.

Comey’s now-deleted post, which featured seashells arranged to form the message “86 47,” was widely interpreted as a veiled threat to “get rid of” the 47th President of the United States—Donald Trump. The term “86” is commonly understood to mean to kill or eliminate, especially in law enforcement and political slang.

This wasn’t the first time such a phrase stirred controversy. Back in 2020, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer faced backlash after appearing on “Meet the Press” with “86 45” displayed behind her, a clear reference to then-President Trump.

Despite the backlash, Comey claimed he had no idea the term could be interpreted that way. That excuse left many Americans stunned. A former FBI Director—a man who served at the top of federal law enforcement—is asking the public to believe he didn’t know what “86” means?

If Comey’s claim raised eyebrows, Brennan’s defense made jaws drop.

Appearing on MSNBC, Brennan insisted that Comey has “unimpeachable integrity” and would never suggest violence against anyone. But then came the bizarre spin: Brennan claimed the phrase “86” is just “used in the restaurant context” and he had “never heard it used to suggest violence.”

Seriously?

That’s a jaw-dropping statement coming from a man who once ran the CIA. Either Brennan is playing dumb—or we’re expected to believe that two of the most powerful men in U.S. intelligence had no clue about one of the most basic slang terms in the country.

Critics immediately pounced on Brennan’s remarks. “If Brennan didn’t know what it meant, he shouldn’t have had the job,” one observer noted. “And if Comey didn’t know, then why post it at all?”

To make matters worse, Brennan tried to shift the blame to critics, accusing those who “seized” on the post of “fueling the fires.” In other words, the real problem isn’t Comey’s tone-deaf post—it’s the Americans who dared to notice it.

It’s a classic deep state play: deny, deflect, and blame the people for reacting. But the backlash was swift. Brennan’s defense not only failed to clear Comey—it made both men look worse.

The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly reviewing Comey’s post, and the Secret Service is said to have taken an interest. The phrase “86 47” may not be enough for a formal charge, but it’s enough to raise serious concerns—especially when it comes from a former federal official.

Conservatives argue this is yet another example of the double standard in Washington. Had a Republican official posted “86 46” during Biden’s term, the media would have gone nuclear. But when it’s Comey or Brennan, it’s brushed off as an innocent mix-up.

The truth is, Americans aren’t buying it. Comey’s post wasn’t some harmless beach joke, and Brennan’s spin only confirms how out-of-touch and unaccountable these former intel officials have become.

Once again, the so-called intelligence “elite” show they believe the rules don’t apply to them. But voters are watching—and they’re tired of the games. If Brennan thought his MSNBC appearance would put out the fire, he just added fuel to it.