Emil Bove takes charge of DOJ's overhaul under Trump administration

Emil Bove, now acting deputy attorney general, implements key changes to DOJ policies on Jan. 6 probe and immigration enforcement.

Blanche and Emil Bove arrive for his criminal trial at the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York, NY, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Photo by Jabin Botsford/Reuters

By Hayu Andini and Widya Putri

Two weeks into his role as acting deputy attorney general, Emil Bove has been central to President Donald Trump’s drive to reshape the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Bove, who previously defended Trump in the hush money case, is now spearheading bold policy changes aimed at addressing what Trump has called political bias in the DOJ. Critics, however, argue that Bove’s actions undermine the traditional independence of the DOJ from the White House.

Bove, 43, is no stranger to high-pressure legal work. Despite staying largely out of the spotlight during last year’s criminal trial, where he co-represented Trump, he has quickly taken on a prominent role in the administration. Now, as acting deputy attorney general, he is making waves by implementing sweeping changes to the DOJ’s policies, particularly regarding the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and federal immigration enforcement.

Bove's appointment to the DOJ's second-highest position comes during a period of significant transition in the Trump administration. While awaiting the confirmation of Trump’s permanent choice, Todd Blanche, Bove is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the DOJ, which employs over 110,000 people. Bove's legal acumen and willingness to take decisive action have earned him praise from some colleagues.

"If you want somebody who's going to hit the ground running, he's the guy," said Brendan Quigley, a fellow prosecutor who worked alongside Bove in securing the conviction of two nephews of Venezuela's first lady on drug trafficking charges. Quigley, now a partner at law firm Baker Botts, describes Bove as someone "not one to shy away from a fight."

Bove, whose extensive career includes high-profile terrorism and drug trafficking convictions, is not only taking on new roles within the DOJ but also making significant changes to its approach to certain key issues.

One of the most contentious moves under Bove’s leadership involves the DOJ’s ongoing investigation into the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, when Trump supporters attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. In a memo seen by Reuters, Bove ordered the firing of all prosecutors hired on a probationary basis to work on the Jan. 6-related cases. This decision has sparked outrage among Democrats, with U.S. House Judiciary Committee member Jamie Raskin calling it a "repulsive affront to the rule of law."

Bove’s move to overhaul the investigation extends further. On January 26, he instructed top federal prosecutors across the country to compile a list of all prosecutors and FBI agents involved in the Jan. 6 probe, raising concerns about potential political interference in the DOJ’s efforts to pursue justice for the attack on the Capitol.

Alongside the changes to the Jan. 6 investigation, Bove has also prioritized immigration enforcement. On his second day in office, January 21, 2025, he instructed federal prosecutors to investigate local officials who refuse to assist federal immigration authorities. This directive aligns with Trump’s broader promise to crack down on illegal immigration and ramp up deportations.

Bove’s actions have extended to specific cases as well. In one high-profile instance, he announced an investigation into a sheriff in upstate New York for allegedly releasing an immigrant living in the U.S. illegally. A few days later, Bove was on the ground in Chicago, observing U.S. officers arresting at least one migrant—an unusual move for a senior DOJ official.

Raskin, a professor of constitutional law, has strongly criticized Bove’s immigration policies, warning that they could lead to chaos and division. The controversial nature of these actions has sparked intense debate over the balance between enforcing immigration laws and respecting the rights of local authorities.

Bove's history as a prosecutor and his role in high-profile cases

Before his tenure as Trump’s defense lawyer, Bove had a distinguished career as a criminal prosecutor. He worked for the Southern District of New York from 2012 to 2021, earning a reputation for handling complex cases involving terrorism and drug trafficking. Among his high-profile cases was the conviction of a former Honduran president’s brother on drug charges and the guilty plea of a New York man attempting to support the Islamic State.

Bove’s experience in high-stakes cases has shaped his leadership approach at the DOJ. He has been instrumental in handling some of the most pressing cases, including the first criminal conviction of a U.S. president—Trump’s conviction in the hush money case. Despite the legal challenges surrounding Trump’s conviction, Bove’s legal acumen continues to shine through, particularly as he takes on a leadership role in reshaping the DOJ.

Bove’s rapid changes at the DOJ have raised concerns about the future of the department’s independence and its relationship with the White House. As Bove works to reshape DOJ policies, many fear that these changes could lead to politicization within the department, undermining its role as an impartial law enforcement body. Critics, including Raskin, worry that these shifts will weaken public trust in the DOJ’s ability to operate free from political interference.

Despite these concerns, Bove’s supporters emphasize his experience, leadership, and commitment to the law. "He's a fighter," said Quigley, highlighting Bove's determination to tackle difficult legal battles. Whether Bove’s actions will ultimately prove to be a successful overhaul of the DOJ or a dangerous erosion of its credibility remains to be seen.

As Bove continues to implement his changes, the DOJ’s role in handling key issues such as the Jan. 6 investigation and immigration enforcement will undoubtedly be a focal point of public debate. While the future of these policies remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Emil Bove is not shying away from the challenges that come with leading the nation’s most powerful law enforcement agency.