US attorney who Trump fired minutes after he got the job sues to get it back

US attorney who Trump fired minutes: Legal Challenge Mounts After Washington State Prosecutor Dismissed Minutes Following Appointment Sandego.net – A

Legal Challenge Mounts After Washington State Prosecutor Dismissed Minutes Following Appointment

Sandego.net – A Washington state legal professional has initiated litigation against the Trump administration after being removed from his position as United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington. The dismissal occurred in a remarkably brief timeframe—less than sixty minutes following a unanimous decision by a panel of federal judges to select him for the prestigious role. This legal action represents the initial challenge of its kind as the current administration continues its ongoing effort to maintain firm control over federal prosecutorial appointments nationwide.

The Dispute Over Appointment Authority

Roger Rogoff, who previously served as both a judge and a seasoned prosecutor, received the judges’ selection for the state’s highest prosecutorial position last week. His subsequent termination has prompted him to file a lawsuit on Tuesday, arguing that existing statutes clearly permit federal judges to choose US attorneys until a Senate-confirmed nominee assumes the position. According to the legal filing, no individual has yet been nominated for the vacancy, much less confirmed by the Senate.

“The President cannot grant himself the authority to make those interim appointments instead, nor can he rewrite (the law) to require presidential approval of the district court’s choice,” the lawsuit asserts.

The legal complaint seeks to compel the Trump administration to honor the judges’ selection. It contends that Rogoff’s removal not only contravenes constitutional principles but also enables President Trump to effectively alter established legal procedures. The filing emphasizes that the executive branch lacks the power to unilaterally modify the appointment process to suit its preferences.

Administration Response and Broader Context

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the situation through a social media statement on the day Rogoff was dismissed. He acknowledged the procedural complexity, noting that while district court judges possess the authority to appoint temporary US Attorneys, the President retains the power to remove them. Blanche criticized the Western District of Washington judges for bypassing the traditional consultation process with the administration, which ensures that selected prosecutors meet the administration’s qualifications standards.

“WDWA judges abandoned the time-honored process of consultation with the administration so that the selected U.S. Attorney is qualified to serve in the administration. Roger Rogoff has been fired by the President,” Blanche wrote.

Rogoff’s situation is not unprecedented within the current administration’s approach to federal prosecutorial appointments. Several other lead prosecutors selected by district court judges have faced swift dismissal, though some have ultimately acquiesced and allowed the Justice Department to install its preferred leadership. These conflicts highlight an ongoing tension between judicial appointment powers and executive authority.

Historical Precedents and Ongoing Disputes

Similar jurisdictional disagreements have emerged across multiple regions of the United States. In numerous locations, the Justice Department has installed top prosecutors whom district court judges determined were not properly appointed due to excessive delays in Senate confirmation. One of the most prominent examples occurred in Northern Virginia during the previous year, when a federal judge dismissed several cases that acting US Attorney Lindsey Halligan had pursued against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey. The judge ruled that Halligan had not been properly appointed and lacked Senate confirmation.

Halligan subsequently departed her position following the case dismissals and continued criticism regarding her tenure leading the district. The Justice Department maintains that it is still appealing the decisions related to the Comey and James cases. Meanwhile, another significant development involved Alina Habba, a former personal attorney to President Trump, who was compelled to resign after an appeals court determined she was improperly serving as the US Attorney for New Jersey.

The CNN news organization has contacted the Justice Department requesting additional commentary on these developing matters. Katelyn Polantz of CNN contributed reporting to this coverage of the ongoing legal and administrative disputes surrounding federal prosecutorial appointments.