Trump’s Justice Department Fires Newly Appointed Federal Prosecutor
In an unexpected move, the Justice Department, under President Trump, dismissed Roger Rogoff, the freshly appointed federal prosecutor for western Washington state, merely an hour after his swearing-in ceremony. This decision raises questions about the president’s authority over appointments.
Rogoff, who previously served as a King County judge and has extensive experience as both a state and federal prosecutor, was unanimously chosen by the district’s 17 federal judges. He took the oath in federal court in downtown Seattle on Wednesday morning.
Following his swearing-in, Rogoff reached out to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neal Floyd, who had been in an interim role for 120 days until February. During his wait to meet Floyd, he received an email announcing his termination.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche explained, “District court judges can appoint interim U.S. attorneys, and the president can remove them. The WDWA judges have overlooked the established process that federal prosecutors typically follow to align with the administration. Roger Rogoff was let go by the president.”
While U.S. attorneys generally need Senate confirmation, interim posts can be retained without it. After an interim appointment lapses after 120 days, a federal judge holds the power to appoint a new U.S. attorney for any district.
President Trump opted not to formalize Floyd’s nomination to the Senate, keeping him in the role of assistant U.S. attorney under contentious circumstances similar to past appointments made by the administration.
Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) expressed her concerns, stating that Rogoff “has shown remarkable dedication to public service throughout his career and was legally appointed by a federal judge in the Western District of Washington.” She added, “This administration seeks loyalty over deliberation, aiming to place allies in key positions to forward its problematic agenda.”
In December, Alina Haba announced her resignation as New Jersey’s acting attorney following a court ruling that deemed her appointment illegal since July 2025. Meanwhile, Lindsay Harrigan stepped down from her interim role as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia in January, after a judge ruled her appointment invalid.
Currently, John Sarcone is the First Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of New York, as a judge recently dismissed an attempt to make his position permanent.
Rogoff mentioned on Wednesday that he might pursue legal options after his firing. He reflected, “I take great pride in my career. It is both humbling and incredible that the judges I’ve worked with—many of whom I’ve appeared before—thought I was the right person for this role.”
