Trump Nominates Emil Bove to Federal Appeals Court Amid Controversy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday he is nominating Emil Bove, a Justice Department official, to serve as a judge on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. This court is based in Philadelphia and covers New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

Bove, who currently serves as the principal associate deputy attorney general, previously defended Trump in a criminal case related to hush money payments made to a porn star. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump praised Bove, stating, “He will end the Weaponization of Justice, restore the Rule of Law, and do anything else that is necessary to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.”

This nomination marks Trump’s sixth judicial nominee in his second term, with a total of two nominations for one of the 13 federal appeals courts. Throughout his first term, Trump appointed 234 judges, and he is projected to nominate over 100 more judges during his current term.

During the early weeks of the Trump administration, Bove served as acting deputy attorney general before Todd Blanche, his current boss, assumed the position. Bove has faced scrutiny regarding his decision to drop bribery charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, with some alleging the order was politically motivated. This decision led to resignations within the Manhattan prosecutor’s office and the Justice Department.

Additionally, he has prioritized immigration enforcement and was previously involved in prosecutions surrounding the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. Bove also defended Trump’s actions and claims during the 2020 presidential election.

Reactions to the nomination have been mixed among conservatives, with Ed Whelan, a conservative lawyer, expressing concerns about Bove’s qualifications on social media.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, however, praised Bove, stating that “our loss here at DOJ will be the country’s gain.” Bove’s appointment could influence the composition of the 3rd Circuit, which currently has an even balance of judges appointed by both parties.