Justice Department official Emil Bove tapped by Trump for federal appeals court
President Donald Trump has made a controversial nomination for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, selecting Emil Bove, a former defense attorney and Justice Department official, to serve on the federal bench. Trump took to Truth Social to announce his decision, praising Bove as “SMART, TOUGH, and respected by everyone.”
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi also commended Bove’s nomination, calling him an “indispensable partner at the Department of Justice” who has worked tirelessly to make America safe again. If confirmed, Bove would fill one of two vacancies on the Third Circuit, which covers Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
However, Bove’s path to confirmation may not be smooth sailing, as Democrats have criticized Trump’s efforts to appoint loyalists to key positions within the DOJ and FBI. Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats are expected to scrutinize Bove’s nomination, using the confirmation process to address controversial actions taken by the administration.
Before his tenure at the Justice Department, Bove served as a U.S. prosecutor for the Southern District of New York and defended Trump in criminal trials. Known for his aggressive tactics, Bove has been involved in contentious actions during Trump’s presidency, prompting resignations from officials who disagreed with his approach.
One such action was Bove’s memo threatening state and city officials with legal consequences for failing to comply with the administration’s immigration policies. Additionally, he ordered federal prosecutors to dismiss charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, leading to resignations within the department.
Bove’s involvement in scrutinizing FBI agents’ roles in the Jan. 6 investigations has also raised concerns among former Justice Department officials. Questions about agents’ actions during the probe have sparked fears of a chilling effect on the FBI’s operations.
As Bove’s nomination moves forward, it is likely to face significant pushback from Democrats and scrutiny over his past actions. Trump’s decision to nominate Bove reflects his ongoing efforts to reshape the judiciary and appoint individuals he views as loyal to his agenda.
Breanne Deppisch, a national politics reporter for Fox News Digital, covers the Trump administration, focusing on the Justice Department, FBI, and other national news. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
