Los Altos Vice Mayor Larry Lang is facing criticism after posting “86 47” multiple times on social media, a phrase some critics interpret as a threat toward President Donald Trump.
Screenshots of the posts, which have since been deleted, show Lang using the phrase both as a comment and in his Facebook cover photo. The image featured seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47,” mirroring a similar image that has drawn national attention in recent weeks.
The controversy stems from how the phrase is interpreted.
In some slang usage, “86” can mean to eliminate or get rid of something, while “47” is commonly understood as a reference to Trump as the 47th President of the United States. Critics argue that the combination can be read as a call for harm, though interpretations vary.
The posts triggered immediate backlash from Republican officials and conservative figures.
Corrin Rankin, chair of the California Republican Party, called the posts unacceptable and said they contributed to a broader climate of political hostility. “This death threat directed at Donald Trump is unacceptable,” she said, urging Lang to resign.
The California GOP echoed that message, calling on Democratic leaders to condemn the rhetoric and arguing that such language could inflame tensions.
Additional criticism came from national party figures.
A spokesperson for the Republican National Committee said the posts reflect escalating rhetoric that could encourage violence, particularly in light of recent security incidents involving the president.
Lang has not publicly responded in detail.
Attempts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful, and an automated response indicated he was traveling through early May. His social media accounts were updated after the controversy, with the posts in question removed, per the New York Post.
The situation has drawn comparisons to a separate case involving James Comey.
Comey was previously investigated after posting a similar “86 47” image, which he later deleted, saying he did not understand the potential interpretation at the time. That case has been cited by critics as evidence that the phrase carries serious implications in the current political environment.
The broader issue centers on political rhetoric and interpretation.
Supporters of the criticism argue that public officials have a responsibility to avoid language that could be construed as endorsing harm or violence. Others note that phrases like “86” have multiple meanings depending on context and may not always imply a threat.
Lang serves on the Los Altos City Council and participates in several regional boards, making the controversy more visible at both local and state levels.
Calls for his resignation continue, but no formal action has been announced by the city.
The incident reflects ongoing tensions in political discourse, where language used online can quickly become a flashpoint, especially when tied to national figures and ongoing security concerns.
