Former U.S. Attorney Files Lawsuit Following Dismissal After Short Tenure

Roger Rogoff, who was appointed as the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington, has filed a lawsuit challenging his dismissal just 54 minutes after being sworn in. Rogoff was appointed by a panel of district court judges but was removed by President Donald Trump shortly thereafter. In his lawsuit, Rogoff claims that the president does not have the authority to remove judicially appointed officials, arguing that his termination violates the separation of powers established by Congress. He seeks a federal court ruling to declare his firing unlawful and to reinstate him until a presidential nomination and Senate confirmation can occur. The Department of Justice stated that the firing was within the president's authority, as the district court did not coordinate with them on Rogoff's appointment. This lawsuit marks the first legal challenge to such a termination under these circumstances.