Former U.S. Attorney Roger Rogoff filed a lawsuit in federal district court against the Trump administration following his removal from office. Rogoff was appointed by the judges of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington to lead the office until a permanent, Senate-confirmed replacement was named. However, the White House notified Rogoff of his firing less than an hour after his judicial appointment was announced.
The lawsuit alleges that the firing violates the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution and federal statutes governing how U.S. attorney vacancies are filled. Rogoff's attorneys argue that the executive branch's actions bypass the Senate's constitutional role of advice and consent. Rogoff is seeking a court order to void his termination and reinstate him as the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the administration removed Rogoff because the district judges failed to consult with the White House before making the appointment. The Western District of Washington has not had a Senate-confirmed U.S. attorney since 2023. While the Trump administration has removed other court-appointed prosecutors in Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and Nevada, Rogoff is the first to legally challenge the action.