Overview
- A panel of district judges in the Western District of Washington appointed Roger Rogoff after the Justice Department’s 120-day interim authority expired, and the Trump administration removed him about 54 minutes after he was sworn in.
- Rogoff filed a federal complaint on Tuesday seeking a declaration that the firing violated 28 U.S.C. §546 and the Appointments Clause and asking to be reinstated until the Senate confirms a successor.
- The case raises a core legal question about whether the president may dismiss U.S. attorneys whom federal courts appoint to serve until a Senate-confirmed nominee fills the vacancy.
- Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche publicly defended the removal on social media, saying the president can fire court-appointed U.S. attorneys and criticizing the judges for not consulting the administration, and the Justice Department has made similar rapid removals in other districts.
- Legal experts warn the dispute could produce protracted litigation and appellate review with real effects on local prosecutions, office morale, and the pace of confirmations given past court rulings that have voided improperly appointed prosecutors.