Senate Democrats are intensifying efforts to scrutinize the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) handling of cases during Emil Bove’s tenure as Acting Deputy Attorney General. Concerns have been raised regarding Bove’s involvement in the dismissal of charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the DOJ’s approach to the Jeffrey Epstein files.
In February 2025, Bove directed the dismissal of federal charges against Mayor Adams, who faced allegations of bribery and conspiracy. This decision led to the resignation of several career prosecutors, including Acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, who described the move as a “quid pro quo” to secure Adams’ support for the administration’s immigration policies. Senate Democrats have since filed a complaint with the New York State Bar, alleging that Bove’s actions constituted professional misconduct. ([forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2025/03/04/senate-democrats-tell-ny-state-bar-to-investigate-trumps-deputy-ag-for-dropping-eric-adams-charges/?utm_source=openai))
Further complicating matters, whistleblower Erez Reuveni, a former DOJ attorney, has alleged that Bove instructed DOJ lawyers to disregard court orders related to deportation cases. Text messages and emails released by Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats suggest that Bove’s directives may have led to the DOJ misleading federal courts. In response, Senators have called for Reuveni to testify under oath before the Judiciary Committee to provide further insight into these allegations. ([booker.senate.gov](https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-senate-judiciary-democrats-demand-hearing-with-whistleblower-ahead-of-bove-nomination-vote?utm_source=openai))
Additionally, Senator Cory Booker has requested information regarding Bove’s role in the DOJ’s review and public disclosure decisions concerning the Epstein files. Booker’s letter emphasizes the significant public interest in these files and seeks clarity on Bove’s participation in related DOJ actions. ([booker.senate.gov](https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-demands-answers-on-emil-boves-involvement-in-doj-withholding-the-epstein-files?utm_source=openai))
In light of these developments, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Richard Blumenthal have renewed an ethics complaint against Bove with the New York State Courts’ Attorney Grievance Committee. The complaint focuses on Bove’s alleged misconduct in the dismissal of charges against Mayor Adams and other matters, asserting violations of the New York Rules of Professional Conduct. ([whitehouse.senate.gov](https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-blumenthal-renew-new-york-bar-ethics-complaint-against-emil-bove/?utm_source=openai))
These actions underscore the ongoing concerns among Senate Democrats regarding Bove’s conduct during his DOJ tenure and the potential implications for his current role as a U.S. Circuit Judge.