Context:

More than 75 former federal and state judges have urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to reject the nomination of Emil Bove, President Donald Trump's former personal attorney, to the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals. The judges cite Bove's controversial record, including mistreating law enforcement and disregarding legal protocols, as disqualifying him for the position. Allegations against Bove involve violating court orders to further Trump's deportation agenda, with a whistleblower ready to provide evidence. Despite the accusations, Bove denies any wrongdoing, claiming he is not a 'henchman' and expressing disbelief at being in this position. The nomination is controversial, with GOP Sen. Thom Tillis expressing tentative support, though Bove's past actions and ties to Trump raise concerns about judicial integrity and independence.

Dive Deeper:

• A group of over 75 former judges has opposed Emil Bove's nomination to the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals, citing his history of abusing power and legal protocols during his tenure as a Justice Department official.

• The accusations against Bove include dropping federal charges against New York City's mayor and investigating officials involved in the January 6 insurrection, alongside plotting illegal acts to support Trump's deportation policies.

• A whistleblower, Erez Reuveni, has come forward with evidence against Bove, suggesting the Senate Judiciary Committee has a duty to hear his testimony under oath before making a decision.

• Despite the allegations, Bove denies being a 'henchman' and maintains his innocence, emphasizing his background as a small-town lawyer surprised by his current circumstances.

• Bove's nomination has sparked debate, with GOP Sen. Thom Tillis inclined to support him despite concerns about Bove's failure to denounce January 6 violence, a stance that previously led Tillis to oppose another Trump nominee.

• The judges opposing Bove argue that appointing Trump's former attorney to a federal judgeship compromises judicial integrity and establishes a dangerous precedent of judicial power serving personal loyalty.

• If confirmed, Bove would join a small group of judges responsible for reviewing federal cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the Virgin Islands, despite his controversial legal history and actions aligning with Trump's agenda.