Key facts
- Roger Rogoff was appointed US attorney in Seattle by federal judges on Wednesday.
- Less than an hour after his appointment, Rogoff was removed from the position by the Trump administration.
- Rogoff, a former judge and prosecutor, is considering legal action against his dismissal.
- The Trump administration has previously used tactics to keep interim prosecutors in place beyond their term limits.
- Senator Patty Murray criticized the firing, alleging a pattern of installing political allies.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday removed Roger Rogoff as the top federal prosecutor in Seattle, less than an hour after he was unanimously appointed by the district's federal judges. Rogoff, a former judge and prosecutor, had been sworn in and was awaiting entry into the US attorney's office when he received an email informing him of his dismissal.
This action highlights a pattern of tension between the Trump administration and the judiciary over the appointment of US attorneys. While presidents typically nominate these officials, requiring Senate confirmation, federal judges can appoint temporary US attorneys when interim terms expire before a nominee is confirmed. The administration has sought to maintain control over these positions through various means, including extending interim appointments or reassigning individuals to first assistant roles.
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the administration's actions, stating that while judges can appoint temporary US attorneys, the president has the authority to remove them. He also criticized the judges for not consulting with the administration regarding Rogoff's qualifications. This maneuver has faced legal skepticism, with a US appeals court panel previously questioning the legality of similar tactics.
Rogoff, who has a long career in public service, expressed pride in his professional history and humility at being chosen by the district's judges. He is reportedly consulting with lawyers about potentially suing over his firing. The incident follows similar cases where court-appointed US attorneys were dismissed by the Trump administration, including in New Jersey and Virginia.