Judge Orders Reinstatement of Fired US Attorney

A federal judge has ordered the immediate reinstatement of a U.S. attorney for Western Washington who was fired by President Donald Trump in July. The judge also barred the Justice Department from attempting to replace him again.

U.S. District Judge Stanley Bastian issued the ruling from the bench on Thursday, granting the U.S. attorney's request for a preliminary injunction. The ruling further enjoins Attorney General Todd Blanche and the Executive Office of the President from taking further actions to uphold the termination.

The decision marks the latest development in the Trump administration's ongoing dispute with the judiciary over its efforts to appoint U.S. attorneys nationwide without Senate confirmation. The Justice Department has stated it disagrees with the judge's decision and intends to appeal and seek a stay.

The U.S. attorney had been appointed to the position overseeing federal prosecutions in Seattle by federal judges in July. He was reportedly dismissed via email by President Trump approximately one hour later. The attorney subsequently filed a lawsuit, citing similar cases across the country where the administration had unsuccessfully sought to install attorneys and extend their terms indefinitely. Judges appointed by both parties have previously ruled that such actions clearly violate federal appointment statutes.