Brief
Judge reinstates Trump‑appointed U.S. Attorney Rogoff in Seattle
The ruling marks another clash between the Trump administration and the judiciary over control of Justice Department appointments.
By Felo News Desk · Published
U.S. District Judge Stanley Bastian on Thursday overturned President Donald Trump’s decision to fire Roger Rogoff, the court‑appointed United States attorney for the Western District of Washington.
What happened
When the 17 active and senior judges of the Western District of Washington could not secure a Senate‑confirmed nominee, they unanimously appointed former judge and veteran prosecutor Roger Rogoff on July 15, 2026. Less than an hour after his oath, President Trump ordered Rogoff’s removal. Rogoff sued, and Bastian ruled the termination unlawful, reinstating him to the post.
What the reports add
The Associated Press article notes that federal law permits district judges to appoint a U.S. attorney "until the vacancy is filled" but does not allow a president to dismiss that appointee at will. Bastian emphasized this point, stating the law does not say "until the president fires the person selected." The Justice Department issued a written statement saying it disagreed with the decision and will appeal.
What was said
Judge Bastian said, "Mr. Roger Rogoff is the United States attorney for the Western District of Washington and has been the rightful holder of that office since July 15, 2026, when he took the oath of office," as reported by the Associated Press.
How it came about
The appointment followed a long‑standing legal tug‑of‑war over the Trump administration’s attempts to control senior Justice Department posts. Rogoff is the latest court‑appointed attorney to be removed by the administration, and his lawsuit represents the first instance of a judicially appointed U.S. attorney suing over removal.
Key facts
- Judge Stanley Bastian reinstated Roger Rogoff as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Rogoff was appointed by the district judges on July 15, 2026 after the president failed to provide a Senate‑confirmed nominee. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- The Justice Department said it would appeal the reinstatement decision. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Sources
- [1] winnipegfreepress.com — originally reported as “Judge overturns Trump's decision to fire court-appointed US attorney in Seattle”
