NCJW opposes Emil Bove. Here’s why:
NCJW believes lifetime judicial nominees must demonstrate fairness, independence, and a deep commitment to constitutional values — Emil Bove does not. His record as a loyal enforcer of President Trump’s agenda, including the mass firing of civil servants, targeting of political opponents, and efforts to undermine immigration protections raises serious concerns. As head of the Department of Justice’s Weaponization Working Group, he reportedly sought retribution against those investigating the January 6 insurrection. His evasive responses during his confirmation hearing only deepen doubts about his fitness for a lifetime seat on the federal bench.
Emil Bove’s stance on important issues:
Civil Rights:
In internal memos, Mr. Bove supported policies that promote racial profiling and pushed for the dismantling of policies related to “diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility,” arguing that they “undermine our national unity.”
Executive Supremacy:
Mr. Bove has pressured local and state officials who have pushed back against federal overreach, warning them that they could lose “access to federal funds” and other resources if they fail to comply. Mr. Bove served as Donald Trump’s personal lawyer and later a senior official at the Department of Justice, repeatedly using his positions to protect and defend Trump against any form of accountability. He represented Trump in both the classified documents case and the January 6th election obstruction case, arguing for extreme interpretations of presidential power. After joining the Department of Justice, Mr. Bove targeted the very law enforcement officials who had previously investigated Trump, including launching an investigation into Special Counsel Jack Smith and his team and ordering the firing of FBI agents involved in prosecuting January 6th insurrectionists.
Immigration:
A former attorney for the Department of Justice said that Mr. Bove had planned to “resist court orders” that stood in the way of their “illegal efforts” to deport individuals. Mr. Bove’s efforts reportedly involved ensuring that there was a “deliberate delay” and utilizing “disinformation.” He has also amplified unfounded claims of an immigrant “invasion.”
Education and Career Highlights:
Mr. Bove held judicial clerkships with Judge Richard Sullivan of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York (2008–2009) and Judge Richard Wesley of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (2009–2010). He then worked as an associate at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (2010–2012). From 2012 to 2021, Mr. Bove served as an Assistant US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. He was appointed co-chair of the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics unit in 2019. Following his government service, Mr. Bove joined Chiesa, Shahinian & Giantomasi (2022–2023) and later became a partner at Blanche Law (2023–2025). Since January 2025, Mr. Bove has served as Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General, and briefly held the position of Acting Deputy Attorney General from January to March 2025.