By Steve Neavling
President Donald Trump on Wednesday nominated Emil Bove, his former criminal defense attorney and a controversial figure in the Justice Department, to a seat on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the Associated Press reports.
Bove, currently acting deputy attorney general, has drawn criticism for his handling of high-profile cases since Trump returned to office in January. He ordered the dismissal of a corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, fired prosecutors involved in Jan. 6 cases, and pushed Justice Department priorities aligned with Trump’s immigration crackdown.
“Emil is SMART, TOUGH, and respected by everyone,” Trump said in a social media post. “He will end the Weaponization of Justice, restore the Rule of Law, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.”
Bove’s nomination faces opposition from Senate Democrats, including New Jersey’s Cory Booker and Andy Kim, who called the move “deeply troubling” and said his record raises concerns about his commitment to fairness and due process.
Before joining Trump’s legal team, Bove was a federal prosecutor in Manhattan, involved in several major cases, including drug trafficking and terrorism prosecutions. He clerked for two federal judges appointed by President George W. Bush.
Bove’s role in dropping the Adams case sparked resignations within the department, including from Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor, Danielle Sassoon. Critics argue the decision undermined the department’s credibility and long-standing practices.
If confirmed, Bove would fill a vacancy on the Philadelphia-based appeals court, which hears cases from Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
