Roger Rogoff, the federal prosecutor in Seattle, has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump after being fired less than an hour into his role as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington. The lawsuit argues that his termination was unlawful and violates federal law and the Constitution's Appointments Clause.
Rogoff was unanimously appointed by a panel of federal judges in the district, a process allowed under federal law when a vacancy remains unfilled after an interim appointment expires. However, shortly after his swearing-in, he received an email from the White House informing him of his removal. The Trump administration has defended the firing, stating that the district court did not consult the Justice Department before selecting Rogoff.
The lawsuit seeks a court order declaring Rogoff's firing unlawful and allowing him to resume his duties until a Senate-confirmed replacement is appointed. Rogoff's legal team argues that the Trump administration's actions undermine the Senate's advice-and-consent role in the appointment process.
The Justice Department has maintained that the president has the authority to fire U.S. attorneys appointed by district courts. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the district court abandoned the traditional process of consulting with the administration to ensure the selected U.S. attorney is qualified to serve in the administration.
This case highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and federal judges over the appointment and removal of U.S. attorneys. The lawsuit could set a precedent for future disputes over the executive branch's authority in prosecutorial appointments.