The Trump administration has dismissed the newly appointed U.S. attorney for western Washington state less than an hour after he was sworn into office, igniting another legal debate surrounding the president's appointment powers.
Roger Rogoff, a former King County judge and a seasoned state and federal prosecutor, was sworn in on Wednesday morning at the federal courthouse in downtown Seattle. His appointment was made unanimously by the district’s federal judges.
Following his swearing-in, Rogoff stated in a phone interview with the Associated Press that he proceeded to the federal prosecutor's office to arrange a meeting with Charles Neil Floyd, the first assistant U.S. attorney who had served as interim U.S. attorney for a 120-day period concluding in February.
While awaiting the meeting, Rogoff reported receiving an email that informed him of his removal by President Trump.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche commented on the situation via X (formerly Twitter) Wednesday evening, stating, "District court judges can appoint a temporary U.S. Attorney, and POTUS can fire them." He added, "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."