President Donald Trump’s nomination of Emil Bove, a former personal lawyer and top Justice Department official, marks a significant shift in his judicial strategy. The Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing on Bove’s appeals court nomination has reignited the partisan battle over federal judges. Democrats have been intensely questioning Bove about his loyalty to Trump, particularly regarding his past actions such as dismissing prosecutors involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot cases and discontinuing the corruption prosecution of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The confirmation process highlights the high stakes in the ongoing struggle over judicial appointments, as Trump continues to seek loyalist nominations amidst a shrinking number of vacancies.