Trump Nominates Emil Bove For Federal Appeals Court

President Donald Trump has nominated Emil Bove, his former personal lawyer and a top Department of Justice official, to serve as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Bove, who has served as acting deputy attorney general and principal associate deputy attorney general, has been a controversial figure for his role in ordering the dismissal of federal charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams and for orchestrating a purge of career DOJ and FBI officials. Trump praised Bove as "SMART, TOUGH, and respected by everyone," asserting that he will "end the Weaponization of Justice" and "restore the Rule of Law." Critics have accused Bove of misconduct, noting that his directive to drop the Adams corruption case was not based on the strength of evidence but on political considerations, which led to multiple DOJ prosecutors resigning in protest. The nomination is subject to Senate confirmation and comes amid ongoing controversy over Bove's tenure at the Justice Department and his alignment with Trump's political agenda. This appointment continues a pattern of Trump elevating his personal defense attorneys to significant government roles.