Justice Department Allegedly Openly Disobeying Court Orders and Threatening Our Democracy

Washington, D.C. — In response to a whistleblower complaint reported by the New York Times that alleges senior Justice Department official Emil Bove told staff of his intent to defy court orders, Danielle Brian, executive director and president of the Project On Government Oversight (POGO), issued the following statement:

“It is the responsibility of the Justice Department to enforce laws and see that fair and impartial justice is done to all Americans. It is extremely troubling to hear that an official within the department is openly expressing their intent — and instructing others — to defy these principles for pure political gain.

“The details in the complaint from the whistleblower, who has since been fired, should worry every single member of Congress. Government officials don’t get to decide whether to follow laws. That’s why, during Emil Bove’s confirmation hearing tomorrow, the Senate must uphold its sworn responsibility to conduct robust oversight and demand answers.

“Apart from Bove’s nomination to the bench, the report raises questions about whether he should be removed from his position and disbarred from practicing law. The Justice Department Inspector General and the Office of Professional Responsibility must conduct thorough investigations into these troubling claims.

“Openly instructing law enforcement to lie to judges is a direct threat to our democracy, and a violation of the public’s trust in the Justice Department upholding the rule of law. Congress must do its job. We cannot let this administration bulldoze over the law.”