Watchdog files ethics complaint against Judge Bove
Fix the Court filed a judicial misconduct complaint on Wednesday alleging 3rd Circuit Judge Emil Bove violated the judicial Code of Conduct by attending President Trump’s Dec. 9 rally‑style speech in Mount Pocono, Pa. The filing to Chief Judge Michael Chagares argues the event was 'highly political' and inappropriate for a sitting federal judge; Bove’s office declined comment while the White House downplayed concerns.
📌 Key Facts
- Complaint filed by Fix the Court on Dec. 10, 2025 to 3rd Circuit Chief Judge Michael Chagares
- Allegation: attendance at a 'highly political' Trump event violates canons on avoiding impropriety and political activity
- Event: Dec. 9, 2025 speech in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania; Bove reportedly said he attended 'as a citizen'
- White House Communications Director Steven Cheung posted 'Stop ... pearl-clutching' in response
- Bove previously served as Trump’s personal attorney and was narrowly confirmed to the 3rd Circuit
📊 Relevant Data
From fiscal year 2020 through fiscal year 2022, individuals filed 161 complaints of wrongful conduct in the federal judiciary, with the most frequent allegation being discrimination.
Federal Judiciary: Additional Actions Would Strengthen Efforts to Prevent and Address Workplace Misconduct — U.S. Government Accountability Office
As of December 10, 2025, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, there are 8 active judges appointed by Republican presidents and 6 appointed by Democratic presidents.
Current federal judges by appointing president and circuit — Ballotpedia
As of December 10, 2025, across all U.S. federal circuit courts, there are 87 active judges appointed by Republican presidents and 66 appointed by Democratic presidents.
Current federal judges by appointing president and circuit — Ballotpedia
The Somali population in Minnesota is approximately 79,449, with a poverty rate of 36.4% among them, compared to the overall Minnesota poverty rate of around 9%.
Somali population - Cultural communities — Minnesota Compass
The employment rate for the Somali civilian population aged 18-64 in Minnesota is 70.4%, with males at 75.9% and females at 65.7%.
Somali population - Cultural communities — Minnesota Compass