‘Unprecedented’: Over 75 judges come forward as Donald Trump attempts to place his own attorney above the law

A group of more than 75 former federal and state judges has strongly opposed the nomination of Emil Bove, Donald Trump’s former personal attorney, to the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals. Bove, who would serve a lifetime appointment if confirmed, faces serious allegations about his conduct during his time as a high-ranking Justice Department official.

According to CNN, during his confirmation hearing last month, Bove denied multiple corruption accusations, stating, “I am not anybody’s henchman. I’m not an enforcer. I’m a lawyer from a small town who never expected to be in an arena like this.”

The judges wrote that “Mr. Bove’s egregious record of mistreating law enforcement officers, abusing power, and disregarding the law itself disqualifies him for this position.” They pointed to several controversies, including his investigation of FBI and DOJ officials who worked on January 6 cases and his decision to drop federal charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams in a case that was ultimately dismissed by a federal judge.

Former DOJ whistleblower provides evidence of illegal activities

A former Justice Department attorney and whistleblower, Erez Reuveni, has offered evidence suggesting Bove “explicitly plotted to violate court orders and direct law enforcement officers to engage in illegal acts” to support Trump’s aggressive deportation plans that have already violated federal court orders. Reuveni has volunteered to testify under oath before the Senate committee.

The opposition includes several retired federal appeals court judges nominated by Republican presidents. Among them is J. Michael Luttig, a conservative legal scholar appointed by President George H.W. Bush, who has been critical of Trump and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris last year.

GOP Senator Thom Tillis, a key swing vote, has indicated he will likely support Bove’s nomination, despite previously stating he would not back candidates who failed to denounce the January 6 violence. This stance had earlier led to the failure of Trump’s former DC US Attorney nominee, Ed Martin.

If confirmed, Bove would be one of approximately twelve judges reviewing federal cases appealed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the Virgin Islands. The former prosecutor, who worked in the Southern District of New York for ten years, joined Trump’s legal team in 2023 and handled three of Trump’s criminal cases. As interim deputy attorney general, Bove’s controversial decisions led to numerous resignations and firings within the department. The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on his confirmation this Thursday.