Over 900 former Justice Department attorneys are calling on the Senate Judiciary Committee to reject Emil Bove’s nomination for a lifetime judicial position.
Bove, who was part of President Trump’s criminal defense team, currently holds a significant role within the Department of Justice (DOJ) and has been nominated to serve on the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
This overwhelming request comes from attorneys spanning back to the Kennedy administration through to Trump’s presidency. Officials from the current Trump administration have described Bove as a central figure in various controversies and policy shifts, labeling him as the “leader of this attack” on the DOJ.
“Emil Bove is the mastermind and enforcer of numerous assaults on the DOJ and its personnel,” stated Stacey Young, executive director and founder of Justice Connection.
“His potential appointment to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals has sent shockwaves throughout the DOJ workforce and raises concerns for the American public regarding the future of the department and the rule of law,” she added.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to discuss Bove’s nomination as a U.S. lawyer within their upcoming meeting on Thursday, alongside Fox News host Janine Piro.
The letter highlights various recent controversies involving Bove. He has been pivotal in the dismissals of bribery charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams, which led to several resignations within the department’s Public Integrity Section. Additionally, he had previously requested the termination of prosecutors involved in the January 6th investigation and sought a takeover of the FBI’s riot case probe.
There are also serious allegations from DOJ whistleblowers, claiming Bove made inappropriate comments to senior department officials and contemplated blocking accusations against certain individuals while also considering transferring immigrants to prisons in El Salvador.
Bove mentioned that he couldn’t recall using any explicit language but assured lawmakers during the confirmation hearing that he stressed the significance of adhering to established procedures.
“Every signer is willing to testify under oath that they never directed a DOJ attorney to do anything that goes against court orders. They also implied that Bove’s intention was to circumvent these mandates,” they noted.
Despite the controversy, Bove’s nomination seems likely to advance, as Sen. Tom Tillis (NC), the only Republican member of the committee who previously opposed Trump’s nominees, stated he would heed the staff recommendations.
“Before moving forward with Mr. Bove’s appointment, we urge a thorough evaluation of his actions at the DOJ and the repercussions for the department’s integrity and its essential operations,” the letter emphasized.
“Anyone who compromises the Department of Justice should not ascend to one of the highest judicial positions in the country, as such individuals cannot be trusted to uphold order and justice,” the lawyers concluded.
