Justice Department official Emil Bove eyed by Trump for lifetime judgeship
President Donald Trump is reportedly considering Justice Department official Emil Bove, his former defense attorney, for a U.S. appeals court vacancy. This nomination is seen as controversial, especially as Trump continues to criticize “activist” judges for hindering his agenda.
At 44 years old, Bove is among the candidates being considered for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, which covers Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. With two current vacancies on the court, there is a higher likelihood that Bove’s name will be put forward by Trump. If confirmed, he would secure a lifetime appointment on the federal bench.
Sources familiar with the matter have indicated that Bove’s nomination is just one of the options being considered, and discussions are still in the early stages.
Before his tenure at the Justice Department, Bove spent close to a decade as a U.S. prosecutor for the Southern District of New York. Additionally, he served as Trump’s defense attorney in two criminal trials following his first term in office.
Known for his aggressive tactics, Bove has built a reputation as a fierce and loyal leader. His tenure at the Justice Department has been marked by contentious actions that have led some officials to resign rather than carry out his directives.
One such instance was when Bove sent a memo threatening state and city officials with criminal charges or civil penalties if they did not comply with the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. This memo underscored Bove’s hardline approach to enforcing the administration’s policies.
In another controversial move, Bove ordered federal prosecutors to file a motion to dismiss charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, prompting resignations from key personnel, including acting U.S. attorney Danielle Sassoon.
Bove was also reportedly behind a detailed questionnaire sent to FBI agents regarding their roles in the Jan. 6 investigations. This move raised concerns among former Justice Department officials that it could have a chilling effect on the FBI’s work.
If nominated, Bove would face a challenging path to confirmation, given the criticism from Democrats over Trump’s efforts to appoint loyalists to key positions in the DOJ and FBI.
The White House and Justice Department have not yet responded to requests for comment on Bove’s potential nomination. It remains to be seen how this controversial choice will play out in the current political landscape.
