President Donald Trump fired Roger Rogoff from his position as the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington on Wednesday, less than an hour after he was sworn in. Rogoff, a former King County Superior Court judge and veteran prosecutor, had been unanimously appointed to the role by federal judges in the district. The swift removal marks the latest escalation in a series of conflicts between the Trump administration and the federal judiciary regarding the appointment of top regional prosecutors.
Under federal law, when an interim U.S. attorney’s term expires and no Senate-confirmed successor is in place, local district courts have the authority to appoint a temporary replacement. The administration, however, has frequently sought to maintain its own preferred candidates in these roles, often by reassigning them to different titles after their interim terms end. This practice has drawn significant criticism from judges who view it as an attempt to bypass the traditional oversight process.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the firing on social media, asserting that the president maintains the authority to remove U.S. attorneys. Blanche argued that the district court judges failed to consult with the administration before selecting Rogoff, thereby ignoring a standard process intended to ensure that appointees are aligned with the administration's goals. He stated that while judges may appoint temporary prosecutors, the president retains the power to dismiss them.
Rogoff, who was sworn in at 7:40 a.m. on Wednesday, reported receiving an email from a Trump staffer informing him of his removal while he was at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He has indicated that he is consulting with legal counsel regarding potential action to challenge the firing. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between the executive branch and the courts over the independence and selection of federal prosecutors, with the future of the Seattle office and similar positions nationwide remaining uncertain.