Senate Judiciary Advances Bove Nomination 12-0 Amidst Democratic Walkout and 900+ Legal Objections

Washington D.C. – The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the controversial nomination of Emil Bove to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday, despite a dramatic walkout by Democratic senators and widespread opposition from legal professionals. The committee’s 12-0 vote to favorably report Bove’s nomination came after a heated exchange between Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Tensions escalated when Chairman Grassley moved to vote on Bove's nomination, prompting Senator Booker to vociferously object and accuse Republicans of rushing the process. "This is unbelievable!" Booker was quoted as saying, expressing frustration that not all concerns were being addressed. He further stated, "There's no need to rush this. What are you afraid of, about even debating this, putting things on the record, hearing from every senator?" The core of the Democratic opposition centers on allegations of misconduct against Bove, a former defense lawyer for President Trump and a senior Justice Department official. A former DOJ lawyer and whistleblower, Erez Reuveni, alleged Bove suggested defying court orders, providing emails and text messages to support his claims, including a purported instance where Bove told DOJ lawyers they might "need to consider telling the courts 'fuck you'" if they blocked administration efforts. Bove has denied these accusations. Beyond the whistleblower's claims, Bove has faced scrutiny over his involvement in the dismissal of New York City Mayor Eric Adams' corruption case, which a federal judge described as "pretextual." Lawyers who previously worked with Bove also criticized his "threatening, pound-the-table antics" and "reckless" behavior as a prosecutor. Over 900 former federal prosecutors and more than 75 former federal and state judges had urged the committee to reject his nomination. Despite the Democratic protest and the serious allegations, Chairman Grassley ruled Booker out of order and proceeded with the vote. Grassley defended Bove, stating he has a "strong legal background" and that the whistleblower's claims were mischaracterized. The advancement of Bove's nomination underscores the Republican majority's determination to confirm President Trump's judicial picks, even in the face of significant bipartisan legal opposition.