President Donald Trump dismissed the newly appointed U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, Tessa Gorman, shortly after she was sworn into the position. The dismissal occurred less than one hour after the federal judges of the district had unanimously voted to appoint her to the role.
The appointment by the court followed a vacancy in the office. Under federal law, district court judges have the authority to appoint an interim U.S. attorney if a presidential appointee is not in place after a certain period. However, the president retains the statutory authority to remove U.S. attorneys at will.
The White House did not immediately provide a formal reason for the rapid dismissal. The move follows a series of personnel changes within the Department of Justice under the current administration. A successor for the Seattle-based office has not yet been named.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington oversees federal prosecutions and civil litigation in 19 counties, including the cities of Seattle and Tacoma. Temporary leadership will likely be assumed by a career official within the office until a new appointment is made.