A court-appointed U.S. Attorney, Roger Rogoff, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration following a rapid firing attempt. The lawsuit was submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.

Background

Rogoff was appointed as U.S. Attorney on July 15, 2026, by judges in the Western District of Washington, due to a vacancy that had gone unfilled beyond the initial 120-day term allowed for an Attorney General appointee. However, less than an hour after being sworn into office, Rogoff received an email from the Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel stating that the President removed him from office pursuant to Article II of the Constitution and 28 U.S.C. § 541(c).

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche later posted on social media that district court judges can appoint a temporary U.S. Attorney, and the President can fire them. The lawsuit argues that Rogoff’s removal violates the explicit statutory text of § 546(d), which mandates that a court-appointed U.S. Attorney serves until the vacancy is filled by a nominee appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

Implications

The lawsuit highlights a broader pattern across multiple federal jurisdictions where the administration has moved to fire court-appointed interim prosecutors. Similar disputes over executive appointment power and judicial interim picks have surfaced recently in other districts.

Rogoff is seeking a declaration that his firing was unlawful and void, a declaration protecting his statutory right to hold the position, and an injunction blocking the administration from preventing him from fulfilling his duties as U.S. Attorney.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.