The Department of Justice has moved to seize potential profits from ex-FBI Director James Comey’s latest book, FDR Drive, citing a controversial social media post made days before its release.

Comey faces up to 20 years in prison under federal charges related to his actions as FBI director, and the DOJ contends that any financial gains he realized from his memoir—specifically sales of FDR Drive—could be forfeited. The indictment hinges on Comey’s infamous “86 47” post, a reference to an internet slang term meaning “to dispose of,” which he posted shortly before launching the novel. The DOJ argues this stunt was intended as a marketing ploy to boost book sales ahead of his legal troubles.

Comey’s memoir A Higher Loyalty generated over 600,000 copies in its first week during its 2018 release. In contrast, FDR Drive, the third installment in Comey’s Nora Carleton legal thriller series, has not achieved comparable sales momentum despite being published by Mysterious Press/Penzler Publishers on May 20, 2025. Reports indicate estimated U.S. sales for FDR Drive through early 2026 range between 20,000 and 80,000 copies across print, ebook, and audiobook formats—significantly lower than his memoir’s initial traction.

According to data shared by a third-party analytics firm, the book’s publisher revenue could fall within $300,000–$1.2 million, though Comey’s personal royalties after advances, marketing fees, and agent commissions would likely be much smaller. The DOJ’s forfeiture notice explicitly targets profits derived from sales following the “86 47” post, which occurred days before the book’s launch.

The legal action follows Comey’s history of public confrontations with former President Donald Trump, including a high-profile incident where he was accused of making veiled threats against the president during a book signing event. Comey’s recent social media exchanges have drawn sharp criticism for their timing and content, with critics arguing his post directly preceded the publication of FDR Drive to capitalize on legal volatility.

The Department of Justice has not yet disclosed final figures for potential asset forfeiture, but prosecutors maintain that any profits tied to the “86 47” stunt will be subject to seizure under current federal law.