Washington D.C. – Emil Bove, former personal attorney to President Donald Trump and a high-ranking Justice Department official, was confirmed by the Senate to a lifetime appointment on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on July 29, 2025. The confirmation came after a narrow 50-49 vote, largely along party lines, despite significant opposition and multiple whistleblower allegations regarding his conduct.
Bove's nomination faced intense scrutiny from Democrats and legal professionals, who raised concerns about his impartiality and past actions. Senator Cory Booker, a vocal opponent of the nomination, stated in a tweet, > "Emil Bove misled Congress. He should be under investigation, not confirmed for a lifetime appointment on a federal court."
During his tenure as Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General, Bove was at the center of several controversies. Whistleblower Erez Reuveni, a former Justice Department lawyer, alleged that Bove suggested defying federal court orders related to aggressive immigration policies, including a controversial remark about "telling the courts 'fuck you.'" Bove denied these specific allegations during his confirmation hearing, claiming he never advised violating court orders.
Further allegations emerged from a third whistleblower, claiming Bove misled Congress regarding his role in the dismissal of a criminal corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. These claims contributed to the contentious nature of his confirmation process, with many legal experts and former Justice Department officials urging the Senate to reject his nomination. Over 900 former DOJ lawyers and more than 75 retired judges publicly opposed his appointment.
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Bove's nomination after a heated session where Democratic senators walked out in protest. The final floor vote saw two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, join all Democrats in opposing his confirmation, highlighting the deep divisions surrounding his suitability for the federal bench. His confirmation marks a significant judicial appointment for the Trump administration, solidifying a conservative presence on a key appellate court.