FACT SHEET: Information on Emil bove, Trump's nominee to the third circuit court of appeals

Trump's "Enforcer" and "Hatchet Man" In The Justice Department

In the Justice Department, Bove has created chaos as he carries out Trump’s will and settles the President’s old scores.

• As a top ranking official in the Justice Department, Bove has “quickly emerged as the Trump administration’s enforcer” and “hatchet man.”

• Bove has forced transfer of nonpolitical officials opposing political interference, fired Capitol riot prosecutors, and collected a list of FBI agents assigned to Jan. 6 cases. He regularly communicates with White House officials including senior advisor Stephen Miller, acting on Trump’s general instructions and executive orders.

• Bove created turmoil and chaos in the Justice Department after dropping corruption charges against New York City mayor Eric Adams, prompting the resignation of multiple staff attorneys, who left in protest. Bove ultimately appeared alone on behalf of the government to personally argue the case in a “highly unusual” move.

A Concerning History As Trump's Criminal Defense Attorney

As a member of Trump’s criminal defense team, Bove advanced dubious legal arguments meant to throw out or delay Trump’s legal cases.

• Bove petitioned to move Trump’s New York state criminal case to federal court and push off sentencing for his conviction. The motion appeared to be a bizarre hail mary that cited the recent overturning of Chevron deference, and was ultimately rejected.

• In another argument, Bove was scolded by a judge for concocting a term to avoid discovery requirements.

• Bove also made a longshot argument that the Justice Department prosecutor who charged Trump with hoarding classified documents was illegally appointed, claiming the case should therefore be dismissed.

A Career of Professional Misconduct

As a federal prosecutor in New York, Bove’s conduct drew concerns from colleagues.

• Bove developed a reputation for belittling the work of subordinates, being unusually tough on law-enforcement agents, and having a temper.

• His harsh management style prompted an internal inquiry into his leadership style, which initially concluded with a recommendation to demote Bove. He pleaded with his bosses, claiming he would improve his behavior, and ultimately was able to keep his job due to optic concerns.

• After a group of defense attorneys emailed Bove’s boss to express concerns about his professionalism, rudeness, and power plays, he reportedly considered the email to be a badge of honor and pinned it to his office’s cork board.