A collective of criminal defense attorneys from Manhattan expressed serious concerns regarding the professionalism of prosecutor Emil Bove, leading them to reach out via email to his superiors. One attorney labeled Bove as “completely reckless and out of control” in managing his cases. Another voiced dissatisfaction with his demeanor and suggested he required “adult supervision,” while a federal public defender remarked that Bove “cannot be bothered to treat lesser mortals with respect or empathy.” Despite these critiques, Bove, who was then a determined prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, appeared unshaken by the complaints. Instead, he allegedly showcased the email by pinning it to his office corkboard, interpreting it as a symbol of pride, according to a former colleague who wished to remain anonymous.
During his near ten-year tenure as a prosecutor, Bove managed high-profile cases even amid complaints about his contentious style. His behavior offers insight into how he embraces his current responsibilities as President Donald Trump’s primary enforcer at the Justice Department. Within just a month as the acting No. 2 official, Bove has disregarded traditional norms, confronting FBI leaders for “insubordination” for not complying with his demand for names of agents involved in the January 2021 Capitol riot investigations and removing attorneys linked to those cases.
Earlier this month, he caused a stir by pressuring former colleagues to dismiss charges against New York City’s mayor for reasons unrelated to the merits of the case, defying long-standing practices within the Justice Department. These actions have drawn significant criticism from legal experts and former prosecutors, who fear that Bove, having represented Trump during various legal challenges, is prioritizing political loyalty over impartial justice. However, Bove seems undeterred by such concerns as he strives to implement Trump’s agenda, a tendency noted by those familiar with his prosecutorial behavior.
A former federal prosecutor, Christine Chung, noted, “What he enjoyed most as a prosecutor was wielding power — the single worst possible trait for a public servant.” She added that many avoid publicly criticizing him due to his vindictive nature, which Bove has made clear through his actions. The Justice Department did not comment when approached about an interview request for Bove and detailed inquiries regarding his conduct.
Christopher Kise, who worked with Bove on Trump’s legal defense, defended him, asserting that he was fulfilling Trump’s agenda. Kise remarked, “You have to let folks know you’re serious about taking control. The process can sometimes get messy, but if you’re going to bake a cake, you’ve got to break some eggs.” He expressed surprise at how Bove was being portrayed by his former colleagues as a villain determined to impose Trump’s will.
In his capacity as acting deputy attorney general, Bove has been pivotal in efforts to overhaul the FBI and Justice Department, indicating a strong desire for accountability in light of the Capitol riot investigations. He even coordinated a call with Justice Department prosecutors to expedite the dismissal of charges against Mayor Eric Adams, despite resignations from others over his directive.
His unusual order for the FBI to submit a list of agents involved in the January 6 investigations raised alarms among many within the bureau, as it seemed to suggest a possible purge of those not aligned with his views. Such probing of career agents is rare, especially considering that agents typically do not control the selection of their cases. The events surrounding the Capitol assault resulted in numerous injuries among law enforcement as pro-Trump rioters took over the premises, further complicating the narrative that has surrounded Bove’s actions in their aftermath.
Bove has adopted a view that aligns with Trump’s dismissal of the Capitol events as merely exaggerated, previously calling the FBI’s actions a “grave national injustice.” His decision-making has puzzled former colleagues, with one retired FBI agent, Chris O’Leary, saying, “It’s almost like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” commenting on how drastically Bove has changed.
The duration of Bove’s role as acting deputy attorney general remains uncertain, as Trump has nominated Todd Blanche for the position, who, if confirmed, would appoint Bove as his principal associate deputy attorney general, a highly influential role in the department.
Bove’s journey in law enforcement began at the University at Albany, where he excelled academically and distinguished himself as the lacrosse team captain. His lineage includes a father who served as a prosecutor in New York state. After completing his law degree at Georgetown University, Bove clerked for two federal judges before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan. He was known for bringing high-profile cases such as those against drug kingpins and individuals tied to terrorism.
Despite his accomplishments, Bove has faced backlash for his confrontational style and has been accused of aggressive prosecutorial tactics. Defense attorneys have voiced concerns about his approach, recounting instances where he engaged in over-the-top behavior during legal proceedings. In 2018, significant concerns about his conduct were consolidated and sent to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, highlighting him as a recurrent issue within the team.
Nonetheless, Bove was promoted to lead the national security unit, overseeing matters such as the indictment of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on drug trafficking charges. These charges exemplify his ambition, as Maduro remains a central figure for the U.S. government in its broader drug trafficking fight.
The legacy of Bove’s prosecutorial career has not been without its controversies; by 2020, he was embroiled in allegations of prosecutorial misconduct in a high-profile case that caught the attention of the courts. A judge determined that there had been significant lapses in the trial process that merited further investigation by the Justice Department.
Although the probe found no intent to deceive on the part of Bove’s team, it confirmed significant failings that led to the dismissal of the charges. Bove made his exit from government service at the end of 2021, transitioning to a defense attorney role before joining Trump’s legal team in 2023.
