Oppose Bove’s Judicial Confirmation if Allegations Hold

I am writing to express concern about the nomination of Emil Bove to the U.S. Court of Appeals. Allegations of Court Defiance and Misconduct A whistleblower complaint filed by former senior DOJ attorney Erez Reuveni raises serious allegations about Mr. Bove’s conduct during his tenure as Acting Deputy Attorney General. According to reports from Reuters, Politico, and the Los Angeles Times, Mr. Bove allegedly told DOJ colleagues during a March 14, 2025, meeting that the Department might need to “tell the courts ‘f— you’” in order to proceed with deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. He reportedly endorsed misleading the court about the timing of deportation flights and considered removing migrants from U.S. jurisdiction before judicial orders could take effect. Retaliation Against a Whistleblower Mr. Reuveni objected internally and refused to sign an appellate brief he believed to be misleading. Shortly after, he was placed on leave and then fired. These actions, if accurately reported, suggest retaliation against a whistleblower and disregard for both the rule of law and the authority of the federal judiciary. Implications for Judicial Fitness These allegations strike at the heart of judicial independence and the expectation that nominees for lifetime positions will demonstrate integrity, restraint, and constitutional respect. Encouraging defiance of a federal judge is not a matter of partisan disagreement—it is a fundamental breach of democratic norms. Request for Careful Review While DOJ leadership has denied these claims, they merit careful scrutiny. I urge you to stay fully informed as additional facts become available and to weigh the gravity of these allegations in the context of a lifetime judicial appointment. If these claims are substantiated, I respectfully ask that you oppose Mr. Bove’s confirmation to the U.S. Court of Appeals.