Fact Check: Donald Trump nominated Emil Bove, formerly his criminal defense lawyer, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on June 16, 2025.

Fact Check: Donald Trump Nominated Emil Bove to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

What We Know

On May 28, 2025, President Donald Trump announced his nomination of Emil Bove, who previously served as his criminal defense lawyer, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. This nomination was made to fill a vacancy on the court, which handles cases from Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania (Reuters, New York Times). Bove's tenure as a high-ranking official in the Justice Department has been marked by controversy, including his involvement in dropping a corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams and his aggressive alignment of the department with Trump’s policies (AP News).

Trump described Bove as "SMART, TOUGH, and respected by everyone," emphasizing his commitment to restoring the rule of law and ending what he termed the "Weaponization of Justice" (AP News). The nomination is subject to Senate confirmation, and it has already drawn criticism from Democratic senators who have expressed concerns regarding Bove's actions during his brief time at the Justice Department (AP News).

Analysis

The claim that Donald Trump nominated Emil Bove to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on June 16, 2025, is accurate in terms of the nomination itself, but the date mentioned in the claim is incorrect. The actual nomination occurred on May 28, 2025. The nomination has been reported by multiple reputable sources, including Reuters, The New York Times, and AP News, all confirming the announcement and the context surrounding Bove's controversial career.

Bove's nomination has sparked significant debate within the political landscape, particularly among Democrats who are concerned about his past actions at the Justice Department. Critics have labeled his nomination as "deeply troubling," citing his role in controversial decisions that may undermine judicial impartiality (AP News). The sources used in this analysis are credible, including established news organizations known for their journalistic standards.

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim is True regarding the nomination of Emil Bove to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. However, it is important to note that the date in the claim is incorrect; the nomination was made on May 28, 2025, not June 16, 2025. The nomination is significant due to Bove's contentious history and the potential implications for the judiciary.

Sources

1. Trump nominates his former defense attorney Emil Bove to ...
2. Trump to Nominate Emil Bove to Appeals Court
3. Ex-Trump lawyer Emil Bove, a top Justice Department ...
4. The Next Conservative Civil War Is Coming
5. Emil Bove
6. Trump considering former personal attorney Emil Bove for ...
7. Who is Trump Nominating to the Bench
8. Trump nominates DOJ official, former lawyer Emil Bove for ...