Emil Bove may not be a household name in the United States, but he was a familiar face for anyone who followed President Donald Trump’s hush money trial in New York City last year. Bove served as co-counsel on Trump’s defense and was a regular fixture by the president’s side during the trial.

A federal judge questioned Bove about his reasoning in dropping charges against the New York mayor, but has limited authority to refuse the motion.

Emil Bove, the department’s acting No. 2, defends the move that set off a political crisis for New York City’s mayor and prompted several federal prosecutors to resign.