Emil Bove, a 43-year-old lawyer who defended Donald Trump in his criminal case stemming from hush money paid to a porn star, has been instrumental in implementing contentious policy changes at the US Department of Justice. As acting deputy attorney general, Bove has signed his name to bold policy shifts aimed at removing perceived political bias within the DOJ.
Bove’s tenure as acting deputy attorney general began after Trump nominated him for the role. However, before that, he had a long history in high-profile cases and was well-versed in law enforcement procedures. As co-counsel in a 2016 case against two nephews of Venezuela’s first lady on drug trafficking charges, Bove demonstrated his ability to handle tough cases.
One of Bove’s most recent initiatives has been the probe into Trump supporters’ January 6 attack on the US Capitol. In a memo seen by Reuters, he ordered the firing of all probationary prosecutors working on Jan. 6-related cases and instructed top federal prosecutors to compile lists of involved agents and prosecutors.
Critics have labeled these moves as “repulsive affronts to the rule of law,” while others see them as bold actions aimed at cracking down on perceived enemies. The Biden administration has vowed to take action against Trump’s pardons for those charged with rioting at the Capitol, and Bove’s efforts have only intensified this push.
Bove’s involvement in immigration enforcement is another aspect of his overhaul of the DOJ. He recently announced an investigation into a local sheriff in upstate New York over alleged releases of immigrants living in the US illegally. The move has sparked concerns that Trump’s efforts to step up deportations could lead to chaos and division.
Despite controversy, Bove remains committed to carrying out Trump’s agenda for the DOJ. As he prepares to take on a more permanent role under Todd Blanche, a fellow defense attorney who also defended Trump in his hush money case, Bove is expected to continue leading the department’s efforts to reshape its policies and operations.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-team-revamps-us-justice-department-with-his-former-personal-lawyer-at-helm-2025-02-05