Emil Bove, a former criminal defense attorney for President Donald Trump, has been confirmed to a lifetime seat on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. The Senate voted 50-49, with Republican senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska defecting to join all Democrats in opposing the nomination. The confirmation process was marked by fierce political maneuvering, as Democrats sought to block the nomination due to Bove’s alleged disloyalty to the law and his close ties to Trump.
Bove, who once represented Trump in criminal probes, including those related to the retention of classified documents and efforts to subvert the 2020 election results, has been a subject of intense scrutiny. Democrats argued that his record demonstrated a pattern of prioritizing Trump’s interests over the rule of law. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), a leading opponent of Bove, highlighted his alleged disregard for judicial independence, citing the whistleblower allegations that he recommended ignoring court orders to support Trump’s immigration agenda.
The confirmation process saw significant resistance from the Democratic Party, which mounted a campaign to block Bove’s nomination. This included floor speeches, press conferences, and staged protests within the Senate Judiciary Committee. Committee chair Chuck Grassley faced criticism for pausing proceedings rather than allowing Democrats to air their grievances. Democrats also raised concerns about Bove’s role in dismissing federal corruption charges against Eric Adams, a move that sparked questions about potential quid pro quo arrangements.
Grassley defended his handling of whistleblower allegations, emphasizing his commitment to thoroughly vetting Bove’s qualifications. However, Democrats accused him of dismissing the seriousness of the whistleblower claims, pointing to the late timing of the disclosures and the lack of opportunity for sworn testimony. The Senate’s confirmation of Bove has drawn attention to the broader partisan struggles over judicial appointments, with Republicans facing mounting pressure to support Trump’s nominees despite growing Democratic concerns over their loyalty and qualifications.