Ex-U.S. attorney in Seattle sues Trump over firing

Roger Rogoff, the former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, asserting that his recent firing was unlawful. Rogoff, who was installed in the role by federal judges in the area, argues that his removal violates a federal statute governing U.S. attorney vacancies and the Constitution's Appointments Clause. His legal team contends that the administration's actions undermine the Senate's advice-and-consent role.

The judges of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington had appointed Rogoff to the position. Federal law permits the attorney general to name an interim U.S. attorney for a 120-day term. Following this period, the district court can either extend the prosecutor's tenure or appoint its own interim U.S. attorney pending Senate confirmation of a permanent replacement. However, Rogoff received notification of his removal from the Executive Office of the President less than an hour after his judicial appointment.

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Defendants' attempt to fire [Rogoff] cannot stand.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, also named as a defendant, announced Rogoff's dismissal, accusing the district judges of failing to consult with the administration. Rogoff stated that the President's actions, including his own removal and those of other court-appointed U.S. attorneys nationwide, are illegal and cannot stand. The Western District of Washington has been without a Senate-confirmed U.S. attorney since mid-2023.

Rogoff's lawsuit marks a significant challenge, as he appears to be the first ousted U.S. attorney to contest his firing by the president. The Trump administration has previously removed prosecutors appointed by judges in various districts, including New Jersey, New York, Nevada, and Virginia. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Seattle is currently led by Charles Neil Floyd, the first assistant U.S. attorney, while President Trump has yet to nominate a successor.

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The President's actions violate the law, and they ignore the protections of the Constitution of the United States. His removal of me, like his removal of other court-appointed U.S. Attorneys across the country, is illegal and cannot stand.