Removed by White House, dismissed Washington state prosecutor sues

Key Points:

• Roger Rogoff, the top federal prosecutor in Seattle, was fired less than an hour after being sworn in by the Trump administration and has since filed a lawsuit challenging his termination as unconstitutional.
• Rogoff was appointed unanimously by federal judges to serve until a Senate-confirmed nominee is selected, but the Trump administration argues the president has the authority to fire court-appointed U.S. attorneys.
• The lawsuit seeks a court order declaring Rogoff’s firing unlawful and asserts that the president’s actions violate constitutional protections and judicial authority.
• Typically, U.S. attorneys are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, but in vacancies, judicial appointments can be made temporarily after interim terms expire; the Trump administration has challenged this practice.
• Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche publicly supported the firing, emphasizing presidential authority over court-appointed prosecutors, while the Justice Department stated the firing was within the president’s rights despite lack of coordination with the court.