I didn't see the segment you're referring to, but Figliuzzi is correct in identifying the symbolism - "88" is a known white supremacist/neo-Nazi symbol that stands for "Heil Hitler", just as he described. Figliuzzi should know - he's a former FBI Assistant Director for Counterintelligence.
In white supremacist literature and tweets, 88 is often coupled with 14, which is the number of words in the white supremacist phrase: "We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children". The number 1488 is often appended to their racist comments or even worn as a tattoo.
For more info on this: http://www.adl.org/education/references/hate-symbols/88
Note that the article mentions it's also used in other contexts where it has a less sinister meaning, but in the context of white supremacy, yeah, it means "Heil Hitler". Do some research.
As to whether you can draw a line from THAT to what Trump did, no, I would put that in the category of conspiracy theory. |
