DOJ Lawyer Whistleblower Alleges Judge Nominee Advocated Defying Court Orders
A former Department of Justice attorney has accused Emil Bove, a top DOJ official and President Trump's nominee for the federal appeals court, of instructing DOJ lawyers to disregard court orders blocking deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. The whistleblower claims Bove urged attorneys to respond bluntly—telling judges to "f---k you"—to prevent delays in deportation flights.
Allegations Surface Ahead of Senate Confirmation Hearing
The accusations emerged in a letter sent to the DOJ's internal watchdog and congressional leaders just one day before Bove’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Bove, who previously served as President Trump’s criminal defense lawyer, faces scrutiny as he seeks appointment as a judge on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia.
Whistleblower Details DOJ’s Disregard for Court Orders
The whistleblower, a career DOJ attorney named Reuveni, revealed that during a March 14 meeting, Bove emphasized the urgency of deporting immigrants regardless of court interventions. Following this meeting, Reuveni was involved in multiple litigation cases challenging the legality of rapid deportations.
Reuveni describes witnessing senior DOJ and Homeland Security officials undermining the rule of law by:
- Ignoring judicial orders
- Presenting legally baseless arguments
- Misrepresenting facts before the courts
- Being directed to falsify information in legal briefs
After refusing to submit misleading legal briefs and candidly informing a judge about an erroneous deportation to El Salvador, Reuveni was put on administrative leave on April 5 and fired just six days later.
Political Reactions and Ethical Concerns
Senator Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, condemned Bove’s conduct, citing past controversial actions such as firing January 6 prosecutors and instructing dismissals of corruption charges for political reasons. Durbin urged Republican colleagues not to ignore the potential ramifications of confirming Bove to a lifetime judicial position.
"These allegations from a committed DOJ lawyer illuminate a disturbing pattern of attempts by Mr. Bove and other Trump allies to weaken Justice Department integrity and the rule of law," Durbin stated.
Department of Justice Responds
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche dismissed the allegations as "falsehoods" from a "disgruntled former employee" and condemned the leak of the information to the media. Blanche asserted that during the meeting in question, no suggestion was made to disregard court orders. He characterized the timing of the report as a politically motivated attempt to derail Bove's confirmation.
Advocates Praise Whistleblower’s Integrity
Dana Gold, senior counsel with the Government Accountability Project, praised Reuveni for upholding constitutional and ethical responsibilities. "Mr. Reuveni acted with integrity, fulfilling his duty to the Constitution and the courts," said Gold, emphasizing that such actions deserve commendation rather than retaliation.
What This Means for the Justice Department and Judiciary
This controversy highlights ongoing tensions within the Justice Department regarding immigration enforcement and judicial oversight. As Bove's confirmation hearings proceed, Senate members must weigh the ethical implications raised by the whistleblower alongside his professional qualifications.
In the meantime, concerns persist over alleged attempts to circumvent legal checks on deportation decisions, raising critical questions about the balance of power between the executive branch and the judiciary.
