Senate Republicans confirm former Trump lawyer Emil Bove to appeals court post

Senate Republicans backed Bove despite allegations from three whistleblowers about his conduct as an official at the Justice Department.

WASHINGTON — The Republican-led Senate voted Tuesday to confirm Emil Bove as a judge on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, granting a lifetime appointment to President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer.

He was confirmed 50-49, with only Republican votes, as they set aside allegations from three whistleblowers about the conduct of Bove, a Justice Department official, which include accusations that he flouted laws and Justice Department procedures.

Just two Republicans voted with Democrats against the nomination: Lisa Murkowski, of Alaska, and Susan Collins, of Maine.

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Hours before the vote, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, dismissed the complaints raised by the third whistleblower as “another breathless accusation,” saying Bove denied the allegations under oath.