Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt, U.S. Senator from Missouri, used his Twitter account on July 29, 2025, to comment on the upcoming confirmation vote for Emil Bove to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. In a series of posts, Schmitt criticized what he described as a pattern of opposition tactics by Democrats and media organizations.

In his first tweet, Schmitt stated: "Emil Bove's confirmation vote to the Third Circuit is coming up. In a familiar pattern, desperate Democrats and their media allies have unleashed unsubstantiated allegations against Mr. Bove. By confirming Bove, we show them these smear campaigns no longer have power." The post was published on July 29, 2025.

Schmitt continued in a subsequent tweet: "Similar attacks have been successful in the past. In 1987, Democrats used their media monopoly to defeat Robert Bork, Ronald Reagan's nominee for SCOTUS and one of America's greatest originalist scholars. In 2005, they did the same to George W. Bush's choice, Harriet Miers." This tweet referenced historical Supreme Court nomination battles involving Robert Bork and Harriet Miers.

In another message posted at the same time, Schmitt wrote: "From the Russia hoax, to the Kavanaugh hearing, to the spurious criminal charges against Trump, Democrats have built a well-oiled machine to generate and publicize ridiculous allegations against Republicans."

The references made by Schmitt highlight contentious moments in recent American judicial and political history. The failed nomination of Robert Bork in 1987 marked a significant turning point in Supreme Court confirmation processes; his rejection by the Senate after highly publicized hearings is often cited as an example of increased partisanship in judicial appointments. Similarly, Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination in 2005 following bipartisan criticism and lack of support.

Allegations regarding Russian interference in U.S. elections and related investigations dominated headlines during Donald Trump's presidency. The confirmation hearings for Brett Kavanaugh were marked by intense scrutiny over personal allegations and became emblematic of partisan divides over judicial nominations.

Senator Eric Schmitt has previously positioned himself as an advocate for conservative judicial nominees and frequently comments on federal court appointments.