A former DOJ lawyer, Erez Reuveni, has come forward with a serious claim: that senior DOJ official Emil Bove—now nominated to a powerful appeals court—once suggested telling judges to “f‑you” and ignore their orders. Reuveni shared texts and emails, claiming they support his story that Bove discouraged respecting court rulings during a debate on deporting Venezuelan migrants.
Whistleblower Speaks Out
Reuveni says he was stunned when Bove made the comment during a March meeting about a federal judge’s block on a mass deportation flight. “He told us we might have to tell the courts ‘f‑you’,” Reuveni said. For him, this wasn’t just a rude expression—it showed a lack of respect for the law.
When Reuveni asked for clarity, his superiors shut him down. He says he was eventually suspended and then fired for standing up for the rule of law. Reuveni, a career attorney, felt this crossed a dangerous line.
What the Texts Show
Reuveni shared a text where he and a colleague reference the phrase, saying: “Guess we are going to say ‘fuck you’ to the court. Super.” His colleague agreed—“Not you”—in a nod to Attorney General Pam Bondi. These messages suggest Bove may have used that exact wording.
Bove and DOJ Say It’s Not True
Bove has denied ever telling anyone to break court orders. He said at his confirmation hearing, “I do not recall” using those words. The DOJ also says Reuveni is just disgruntled and that the comments never happened.
Why This Matters
The heart of the issue is respect for our courts. If an official in the DOJ tells lawyers to ignore courtroom rulings, that undermines the entire legal system. Senators, especially Democrats like Dick Durbin and Cory Booker, argue these messages show Bove isn’t fit to become a judge. They believe someone who suggested defiance shouldn’t be given a lifetime seat on the bench.
What Happens Next
Reuveni has submitted his texts and is expected to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Bove’s confirmation vote is upcoming. Republican senators support him so far, but these new details could shift opinions—especially among moderates.
Bigger Picture
This isn’t just a fight over one appointment—it highlights a larger question: how far can the executive branch go when it disagrees with a judge? Critics say the administration prioritized swift deportations over court orders, and if true, that could mark a dangerous trend.
