DOJ Ethics Probe Targets Whistleblower in Trump Lawyer Case

Written by Abigail Foster.

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated an ethics investigation into Erez Reuveni, a former career attorney whose allegations against Emil Bove, a Trump administration appointee and judicial nominee, have sparked significant controversy. Reuveni’s claims have been leveraged by Senate Democrats to challenge Bove’s nomination to the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, raising questions about ethical conduct within the DOJ and the integrity of judicial appointments.

Background of the Ethics Investigation

Erez Reuveni, a longtime DOJ attorney, has accused Emil Bove, a senior official and former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, of encouraging DOJ staff to defy court orders related to immigration policies. Specifically, Reuveni alleges that Bove suggested disregarding judicial directives in cases involving deportations, including that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an undocumented immigrant. These accusations form the basis of a whistleblower complaint Reuveni filed with the Senate Judiciary Committee, prompting Democrats to demand a hearing to scrutinize Bove’s actions before his confirmation vote.

However, new information has emerged suggesting that Reuveni himself may have engaged in unethical behavior. In 2023, during the Biden administration, Reuveni allegedly disclosed privileged information about Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials to James Percival, then an attorney in the Florida Attorney General’s office. This alleged breach, centered around a May 2023 phone call, has triggered a DOJ ethics investigation into Reuveni’s conduct, casting doubt on his credibility as a whistleblower.

Details of the Alleged Misconduct

The ethics probe focuses on a communication between Reuveni and Percival, who had previously worked together at the DOJ during Trump’s first term. In May 2023, Reuveni reached out to Percival via email, requesting a private phone call to discuss matters without other team members present. According to sources familiar with the exchange, Reuveni expressed frustration with DHS policies under the Biden administration, which Florida had challenged in court. The state had successfully vacated certain DHS policies in early 2023, but a subsequent policy was alleged to violate the court’s ruling.

During their conversation, Reuveni reportedly revealed that DOJ attorneys were unaware of the new DHS policy and were displeased with their clients’ actions. He also urged Percival not to pursue sanctions against the attorneys and described a temporary restraining order issued against the policy as “straightforward.” These disclosures, if substantiated, could constitute a violation of ethical standards governing attorney-client privilege and confidentiality, as they potentially undermined the DOJ’s position in ongoing litigation.

The investigation was confirmed by Chad Mizelle, the DOJ’s chief of staff, who emphasized the department’s commitment to maintaining high ethical standards. Mizelle’s statement underscores the DOJ’s intent to thoroughly examine Reuveni’s actions, particularly in light of his whistleblower status, which has placed him at the center of a politically charged debate.

Implications for Bove’s Judicial Nomination

Emil Bove’s nomination to the Third Circuit has become a flashpoint in the Senate Judiciary Committee, with Democrats rallying behind Reuveni’s allegations to question Bove’s suitability for the bench. Reuveni’s claims suggest that Bove, during his tenure as a senior DOJ official, advocated for defying court orders to advance Trump’s immigration agenda, including deportations to El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison. These allegations have been bolstered by internal DOJ communications, including emails and text messages, which indicate a pattern of disregard for judicial authority among some officials.

However, the ethics investigation into Reuveni complicates the narrative. If the DOJ substantiates claims of his misconduct, it could undermine the credibility of his accusations against Bove, potentially weakening the Democrats’ case. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley faces pressure to balance these competing claims, as Democrats push for a hearing with Reuveni while Republicans argue that Bove’s confirmation should proceed without delay. The outcome of this investigation could significantly influence the Senate’s decision, as it raises questions about the reliability of a key witness in the opposition to Bove’s nomination.

The controversy also highlights broader tensions within the DOJ under the Trump administration. The department has faced criticism for its handling of high-profile cases, including those related to immigration and the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The firing of Joseph Tirrell, the DOJ’s top ethics official, on July 11, 2025, alongside approximately 20 other employees linked to former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigations, has further fueled concerns about political purges and ethical oversight within the agency.

Our Take

The ethics investigation into Erez Reuveni represents a critical juncture in the ongoing debate over judicial nominations and DOJ integrity. While Reuveni’s whistleblower complaint has drawn significant attention, the allegations of his own ethical lapses demand equal scrutiny. The DOJ’s commitment to investigating these claims reflects a necessary effort to uphold professional standards, but it also risks being perceived as a tactic to discredit a critic of the administration. The resolution of this probe will likely have far-reaching implications, not only for Bove’s nomination but also for public trust in the DOJ’s ability to navigate complex ethical challenges impartially. As this situation unfolds, it underscores the delicate balance between whistleblower protections and accountability for professional misconduct.