A coalition of criminal defense attorneys in Manhattan expressed deep concerns regarding the professional conduct of prosecutor Emil Bove, prompting them to send a collective email to his superiors. In this 2018 correspondence, one attorney labeled Bove as “completely reckless and out of control” in his case management. Others echoed these sentiments, citing his rude demeanor and asserting that he required “adult supervision.” A leading federal public defender noted that Bove showed a lack of respect and empathy towards those he deemed “lesser mortals.”
Despite receiving such criticism, Bove, who held a prominent position in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, seemingly brushed off these concerns. Instead, he displayed the email prominently in his office, viewing the attorneys’ complaints as a point of pride. Bove’s nearly ten-year tenure as a prosecutor—marked by high-profile prosecutions and a contentious reputation—offers insight into his current role as President Donald Trump’s principal enforcer at the Justice Department. In just a short span as acting deputy attorney general, Bove has disrupted established practices and shown a disregard for commonly accepted protocols. This includes reprimanding FBI leaders for what he termed “insubordination” after they resisted his requests related to the January 6 Capitol riot investigations and even pressuring colleagues to dismiss charges against New York City’s mayor for reasons unrelated to the case’s merits.
The abrupt changes Bove made have drawn sharp criticism from legal experts who worry that he is using his position to settle personal scores on behalf of Trump, rather than adhering to an impartial justice system. In response to such criticism, Bove seems unphased and is committed to advocating for Trump’s agenda, a behavior that aligns with accounts from his past as a prosecutor involved in demanding drug and terrorism cases. Christine Chung, a former federal prosecutor, described Bove as someone who relished wielding power, a trait she believes is detrimental for a public servant. Nevertheless, some former colleagues, like Christopher Kise, defend Bove as simply executing the responsibilities expected of someone in his position.
As acting deputy attorney general, Bove has played a key role in transforming the FBI and Justice Department’s operations, including identifying agents associated with Capitol riot inquiries and establishing clear expectations for prosecutors to comply with his directives. Notably, he recently ordered a group of prosecutors to select who would file motions to dismiss charges against Mayor Eric Adams, even in the face of strong objections from within their own ranks. Bove’s demands have raised eyebrows, particularly his request for the FBI to provide a list of agents participating in January 6 investigations, which many within the bureau interpreted as an attempt to carry out a purge.
The chaotic events surrounding the Capitol Riot illustrated the extreme violence that occurred, leading to injuries for more than a hundred law enforcement officers. While the incident drew criticism from various political angles, Trump spent considerable time downplaying the severity and criticizing law enforcement for their response. Bove appeared to embrace Trump’s perspective, advocating for changes within the FBI based on his belief that they had contributed to a “grave national injustice.” This shift in Bove’s demeanor and actions has puzzled many who previously worked alongside him.
As of now, it remains uncertain how long Bove will continue as acting deputy attorney general, especially given the nomination of Todd Blanche for the position, which would likely see Bove collaborate closely with him as principal associate deputy attorney general—a powerful role within the Justice Department. Bove’s background reveals a trajectory marked by commendable achievements and influential positions. Having excelled academically and professionally, Bove stood out as a dedicated worker even during his college days. His family heritage in law, marked by his father’s role as a state prosecutor, certainly shaped his career.
After attending Georgetown Law School and serving as a clerk for two judges appointed by President George W. Bush, Bove joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan where he specialized in prosecuting major crimes and terrorism threats. Among his notable achievements was spearheading the indictment of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro for drug trafficking. However, Bove’s reputation for aggressive tactics has often drawn ire from his peers. A recent analysis involving feedback from defense attorneys revealed concerns regarding his confrontational approach and instances where he was seen overstepping boundaries with clients.
The complaints against Bove culminated in March 2018 when a federal public defender compiled and sent out grievances about his conduct. This email included several accusations from multiple attorneys relaying their dissatisfaction with Bove’s behavior, signaling a request for intervention. Nevertheless, only a year and a half later, Bove was advanced to co-chief of the national security and international narcotics unit, where he furthered the indictment of Maduro amid international scrutiny.
From 2020 onwards, Bove’s leadership faced challenges regarding alleged prosecutorial misconduct during the case of an Iranian banker accused of sanctions violations. Accusations of failure to present exculpatory evidence emerged, leading to a ruling by a U.S. District Court judge publicly highlighting the unit’s shortcomings in maintaining ethical standards. Although the court did not find Bove’s actions to be intentionally malicious, the investigation echoed concerns about a lack of prosecutorial accountability.
After leaving government service, Bove transitioned to a defense attorney role before rejoining Trump’s legal team in 2023. The trajectory of Bove’s career, from a once-revered prosecutor to a figure embroiled in controversy and political turmoil, reflects the complexities and challenges of maintaining integrity within the rapidly changing landscape of the Justice Department.
