President Trump Dismisses Newly Appointed U.S. Prosecutor in Seattle
President Donald Trump dismissed the newly appointed top U.S. prosecutor in Seattle less than an hour after the appointment was finalized by federal judges. This action underscores ongoing tensions between the administration and the judiciary over control of influential positions.
Roger Rogoff, previously a judge and experienced prosecutor at both state and federal levels, was sworn in as U.S. attorney early Wednesday in downtown Seattle. He later received an email from the Trump administration notifying him of his termination. Rogoff has expressed intentions to consider legal action against this decision.
Typically, presidents propose U.S. attorneys, subject to Senate approval, though temporary appointments do not require this confirmation. When temporary roles lapse, local judges can appoint a U.S. attorney. Under Trump’s administration, however, the Justice Department has employed tactics to retain unconfirmed prosecutors indefinitely.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, “District court judges can appoint a temporary U.S. Attorney, and POTUS can fire them.” Blanche criticized the judges who appointed Rogoff for bypassing traditional channels of consultation with the administration.
Trump had initially appointed Charles Neil Floyd as interim U.S. attorney last October, though his formal nomination was never sent to the Senate. As Floyd’s interim term ended, the administration altered his role without placing a confirmed nominee in the top position, a move met with skepticism by a U.S. appeals court panel.
In response to this legal limbo, Seattle’s federal judges solicited applications and formed a bipartisan committee to review candidates. The judges unanimously selected Rogoff as the U.S. attorney for western Washington.
Senator Patty Murray of Washington criticized Rogoff’s swift dismissal, emphasizing his commitment to public service and the legitimacy of his appointment by the district’s federal judges.
Similar controversies have arisen across the country. Alina Habba stepped down as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor after a court ruled her service was illegitimate. Lindsey Halligan, acting U.S. attorney in Virginia, also resigned under legal pressure, leading to the dismissal of charges she had filed.
Despite the circumstances, Rogoff expressed pride in his professional career. He highlighted the honor of being chosen by the judges who have witnessed his extensive prosecutorial work. “Being U.S. attorney is the best job there is for a prosecutor,” Rogoff remarked, acknowledging the challenges yet remaining passionate about his role.