Seattle – In a decisive ruling on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Stanley Bastian ordered the reinstatement of Roger Rogoff as the United States attorney for the Western District of Washington after President Trump terminated his appointment less than an hour after judges named him.
Judicial appointment and dismissal
When the 17 active and senior judges of the Western District of Washington could not secure a Senate‑confirmed nominee, they unanimously appointed Rogoff, a former judge and veteran prosecutor, on July 15, 2026. Within an hour, President Trump fired Rogoff, prompting the attorney to file a lawsuit challenging the termination.
Judge Bastian found the firing unlawful, citing federal law that allows district judges to appoint a temporary U.S. attorney “until the vacancy is filled,” but does not permit the president to remove that appointee at will. “It does not say ‘until the president fires the person selected,’” Bastian said, concluding that Rogoff remains the rightful holder of the office.
Justice Department’s response
The Justice Department issued a written statement expressing disagreement with the decision and indicating it will appeal. The department has previously sought to keep unconfirmed prosecutors in place indefinitely, using title changes and other personnel maneuvers to sidestep Senate confirmation requirements.
For example, in October 2025 the administration named Charles Neil Floyd, a former immigration judge, as interim U.S. attorney in Seattle but never forwarded his nomination. When Floyd’s interim term expired, the administration simply shifted his title to first assistant U.S. attorney, leaving the top post vacant.
Political context and reactions
Rogoff’s reinstatement follows a pattern of judicially appointed U.S. attorneys being removed by the Trump administration. It also marks the first instance of a court‑appointed attorney suing over a removal, setting up a direct legal battle over the limits of presidential authority.
Senate senior Democrat Patty Murray, who opposes the administration’s nominee Pete Serrano for the Seattle post, praised the ruling: “Today’s decision is an important victory for the rule of law and the people of Western Washington who deserve a U.S. attorney that answers to the law, not President Trump.”
Broader implications
The case highlights ongoing tension between the executive branch and the judiciary over control of key Justice Department positions. While presidents traditionally appoint U.S. attorneys, the law permits district judges to fill vacancies temporarily when Senate confirmation is pending. The administration’s attempts to extend interim appointments beyond the statutory 120‑day limit have drawn criticism from legal scholars and elected officials who argue the practice undermines checks and balances.
Legal experts note that the ruling reinforces the principle that temporary judicial appointments are meant to be placeholders, not permanent fixtures subject to political removal. The appeal by the Justice Department will likely focus on the interpretation of the statute governing interim appointments.
What’s next?
As the appeal proceeds, the Western District of Washington will continue under Rogoff’s leadership, overseeing federal prosecutions and civil matters in the region. The outcome may set a precedent for how future administrations handle temporary U.S. attorney appointments and could influence similar disputes in other districts.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
