Whistleblower accuses Emil Bove of urging defiance against court orders
- Erez Reuveni, a former DOJ attorney, alleged improper conduct involving Emil Bove related to court orders.
- Internal communications suggest a disregard for judicial rulings during immigration enforcement actions.
- The controversy raises significant ethical questions around Bove's nomination and the Justice Department's integrity.
In early March 2025, Erez Reuveni, a former Justice Department attorney, filed a whistleblower complaint regarding Emil Bove, who was then nominated for a federal judgeship. Reuveni alleged that during a March 14 meeting, Bove suggested that the Justice Department might need to tell the courts 'f**k you' in response to court orders regarding the deportation of noncitizens. This suggestion came in the context of a controversial immigration enforcement situation involving the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who had been mistakenly deported to El Salvador. After Reuveni was fired in April 2025 for his insistence on complying with the court order, he began to voice his concerns publicly. The allegations highlighted serious ethical questions regarding Bove’s conduct during his tenure at the Justice Department. Despite the allegations, Bove denied having advised anyone to violate court orders during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The controversy over Bove's nomination led to increased scrutiny over the Justice Department's adherence to court rulings. Reuveni's accusations included internal communication among DOJ officials showcasing attempts to mislead courts through misrepresentation, which reflected a broader concern regarding the Trump administration's approach to the justice system during its tenure.