Fired Seattle U.S. Attorney Sues Trump Administration

Roger Rogoff, the former U.S. attorney for western Washington, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the Trump administration, challenging his termination which occurred less than an hour after his swearing-in ceremony. Rogoff, who was unanimously appointed to the position by federal judges in the district, contends that his abrupt firing was unconstitutional and undermined the judges' authority to select him until a Senate-confirmed nominee could be appointed. This legal action marks a potentially unprecedented challenge to the Justice Department's power to dismiss federally appointed U.S. attorneys who are selected by the judiciary.

Rogoff's lawsuit seeks a court order declaring his firing unlawful and void, asserting that he should remain in his position at least temporarily. In a statement released by his legal representation, Rogoff asserted that President Trump's actions violate U.S. law and the Constitution, and that his removal, along with that of other court-appointed U.S. attorneys nationwide, is illegal. Typically, U.S. attorneys are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. In situations of vacancy, the Attorney General can appoint an interim U.S. attorney for a period of 120 days.

The lawsuit highlights a broader pattern of the Trump administration seeking to exert control over leadership positions within the Justice Department. Rogoff's case is believed to be the first instance of a judicially appointed U.S. attorney suing over their removal. The legal challenge is expected to scrutinize the boundaries of presidential authority in appointing and dismissing federal prosecutors, particularly when they are initially selected by the courts.