Trump Fires Seattle’s Court-Appointed Prosecutor Within an Hour

President Donald Trump fired Roger Rogoff, the newly appointed U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, less than an hour after federal judges unanimously selected and swore him into office on Wednesday. Rogoff, a former federal prosecutor and Washington state judge, had served for only 54 minutes when he received an email from the Presidential Personnel Office informing him that his appointment had been terminated.

Under U.S. law, presidents normally appoint U.S. attorneys with Senate confirmation. However, federal district judges may appoint a temporary U.S. attorney when an interim appointment expires before the Senate confirms a nominee. The Western District of Washington relied on that authority after operating for nearly three years without a Senate-confirmed prosecutor. Critics argue that removing Rogoff immediately after his lawful appointment has raised serious constitutional questions about the balance of power between the executive branch and the judiciary. They also say the move could expand presidential influence over federal prosecutor appointments while weakening the practical role of judicial appointments and the Senate confirmation process. As the legal dispute unfolds, the case is expected to become an important test of the limits of presidential authority to remove a court-appointed U.S. attorney.

Roger Rogoff’s 54-Minute Tenure Ends Before He Takes Charge

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington unanimously selected Rogoff after a formal appointment process involving 17 active and senior judges. Chief U.S. District Judge David Estudillo administered the oath before 8 a.m. and praised Rogoff’s long record of public service. Rogoff brought decades of legal experience to the role, including 20 years as a state prosecutor, six years as a federal prosecutor, service as a King County Superior Court judge, and leadership of Washington state’s Office of Independent Investigations.

Shortly after taking the oath, Rogoff arrived at the Seattle U.S. Attorney’s Office to meet Charles Neil Floyd, whose 120-day interim appointment had expired in February. Before the meeting could begin, Rogoff received an email notifying him that he had been removed from office. Although he expected the administration might act quickly, he said he accepted the appointment because he believes deeply in the rule of law. He is now reviewing his legal options with a team of attorneys.

Legal Battle Could Redefine Presidential Removal Powers

The Seattle dispute has centered on a broader constitutional question rather than Rogoff’s appointment alone. President Trump appointed Charles Neil Floyd as interim U.S. attorney in October 2025 but never submitted his nomination to the Senate. After Floyd’s interim term expired, the Justice Department redesignated him as first assistant U.S. attorney while leaving the top position vacant. A federal appeals court questioned that approach in May, prompting the judges to appoint Rogoff under federal vacancy law.

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the president’s decision, arguing that although district judges may appoint temporary U.S. attorneys, the president also has the authority to remove them. He also said the judges did not follow the traditional consultation process with the administration. Democratic Senator Patty Murray rejected that argument, saying Rogoff’s appointment fully complied with federal law and criticizing the administration for bypassing the Senate’s advice and consent process. Similar disputes have surfaced in Virginia, Northern New York, and New Jersey, making the Seattle case a closely watched test that could shape future federal prosecutor appointments across the United States.The outcome could establish an important legal precedent for the relationship between the presidency, the federal courts, and the appointment of U.S. attorneys.

Web Resources on Trump Fires Seattle Court-Appointed Prosecutor

1. Reuters.com : Trump fires judges’ pick for top federal prosecutor in Seattle.
2. New York Times : Trump Administration Fires U.S. Attorney Minutes After His Appointment.
3. AP News.com : Trump immediately fires the new court-appointed top prosecutor in Seattle.
3. US News.com : Trump Immediately Fires the New Court-Appointed Top Prosecutor in Seattle.