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Monday 23/02/2026

Emil Bove Confirmed to Federal Appeals Court Amid Controversy

Emil Bove in courtroom during Senate confirmation
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Emil Bove, a former defense lawyer for Donald Trump, has been confirmed by the US Senate to a lifetime position on the federal appeals court.
  • The confirmation vote was 50-49, with all Democrats and two Republicans opposing Bove's nomination.
  • Bove has faced allegations from whistleblowers of advocating to ignore court orders and misleading Congress.
  • Democrats have criticized Bove's role in the firing of prosecutors and dropping of charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams.
  • Over 900 former Justice Department employees and 75 retired judges opposed Bove's nomination, citing concerns over his loyalty to Trump.

The US Senate has confirmed Emil Bove, a former defense attorney for Donald Trump, to a lifetime position on the federal appeals court, despite significant opposition and controversy. The confirmation vote, held on Tuesday, concluded with a narrow margin of 50-49, reflecting deep partisan divisions. All Democratic senators, along with Republicans Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, voted against Bove's appointment.

Contentious Nomination

Bove's nomination to the US Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit, which covers Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the US Virgin Islands, has been one of the most contentious judicial appointments under Trump's administration. Bove, who served as principal associate deputy attorney general, has been accused by whistleblowers of instructing staff to disregard court orders, particularly those hindering Trump's immigration policies. Erez Reuveni, a former Justice Department official, alleged that Bove suggested telling courts to "ignore any such court order" blocking deportations. Bove has denied these claims.

Whistleblower Allegations and Democratic Opposition

The controversy surrounding Bove's nomination intensified with additional whistleblower allegations. One anonymous former Justice Department lawyer provided evidence supporting Reuveni's claims, while another whistleblower accused Bove of misleading Congress about his involvement in dropping corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Democrats argue that the charges were dismissed to gain Adams's cooperation with Trump's immigration enforcement goals.

Public and Legal Community Backlash

The nomination has drawn widespread criticism from the legal community. Over 900 former Justice Department employees and more than 75 retired judges have publicly opposed Bove's confirmation, arguing that appointing a president's former defense attorney to a federal judgeship is inappropriate. Dick Durbin, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed concerns over Bove's loyalty to Trump, stating that his primary qualification appears to be "blind loyalty" to the president.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The confirmation of Emil Bove to the federal appeals court could have significant implications for the judiciary and the Trump administration. Critics fear that Bove's appointment may lead to biased rulings in favor of Trump's policies, particularly concerning immigration and other contentious issues. The allegations of misconduct and the partisan nature of his confirmation could undermine public confidence in the judiciary's impartiality.

Moving forward, Democrats may continue to scrutinize Bove's actions and decisions on the bench, potentially seeking further investigations into the whistleblower allegations. The controversy surrounding Bove's appointment highlights the ongoing tensions and political battles over judicial nominations in the US Senate, which could influence future confirmations and the overall composition of the federal judiciary.