Full Breakdown
Judges Install Roger Rogoff as Seattle U.S. Attorney; Trump Administration Fires Him Hours Later
7/16/2026, 12:48:02 AM
Core Event
On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the 17 federal judges of the Western District of Washington unanimously appointed former King County Superior Court judge Roger Rogoff as United States Attorney for the district. Less than an hour after his swearing-in, the White House issued a termination notice, removing Rogoff from the post under the authority cited in 28 U.S.C. 541(c) and Article II of the Constitution.
Background & Context
The vacancy arose after interim appointee Charles Neil Floyd, a former immigration judge, exceeded the 120-day limit for an “first assistant” U.S. attorney. The president had not submitted a formal nomination, triggering the statutory provision that allows district judges to fill the gap. The judges’ action follows a pattern of rapid dismissals of court-selected attorneys, including Donald Kinsella in the Northern District of New York (appointed February 2026, fired within hours) and former Western Washington appointees Annette Hayes and Tessa Gorman.
Timeline
- Fall 2025 – Floyd appointed interim U.S. attorney.
- February 3, 2026 – Floyd’s 120-day term expires.
- July 8, 2026 – Chief Judge David Estudillo notifies Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche of the judges’ intent to appoint a replacement.
- July 15, 2026, 7:40 a.m. – Judges swear in Rogoff.
- July 15, 2026, ~8:34 a.m. – White House, via Justice Department spokeswoman Emily Covington, delivers removal notice.
- July 15, 2026, 9:33 a.m. – Rogoff learns of his termination and announces intent to pursue legal action.
Key Figures & Groups
- Roger Rogoff – Former King County Superior Court judge, former director of Washington’s Office of Independent Investigations, and former federal prosecutor focused on terrorism and violent crime.
- Todd Blanche – Acting Attorney General, former Deputy Attorney General, and former defense attorney for President Trump.
- David Estudillo – Chief U.S. District Judge, author of the letter authorizing the judges’ appointment.
- Patty Murray – Senior U.S. Senator from Washington (D), vocal opponent of the firing.
- Emily Covington – Justice Department spokeswoman delivering the removal notice.
Official Statements & Responses
The Justice Department asserted the president’s constitutional authority to remove Rogoff, citing 28 U.S.C. 541(c) and Article II. Acting Attorney General Blanche publicly reiterated that “Judges don’t pick U.S. Attorneys, @POTUS does,” emphasizing presidential prerogative. Chief Judge Estudillo framed the appointment as a routine measure to “ensure the integrity and effective administration of justice” pending a presidential nominee. Rogoff’s legal team, retained by HKM Employment Attorneys LLP, indicated they are evaluating all legal options.
Criticism & Opposition
Senator Murray condemned the dismissal, calling Rogoff “eminently qualified” and accusing the administration of seeking an “out-of-touch extremist” who would place the president above the rule of law. Rogoff himself described the situation as “untenable, not constitutional, and not legal,” warning that political interference threatens prosecutorial independence.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources uniformly report the July 15 firing, but the exact timestamp of the removal notice varies between “less than an hour after swearing-in” and “approximately 54 minutes later.” No public statement from the president himself is provided, leaving the administration’s internal rationale undocumented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re considering all of our legal options.” — Roger Rogoff
- “The President of the United States has directed that I inform you that, pursuant to his authority under 28 U.S.C. 541(c) and Article II of the Constitution, you are hereby removed from the office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington,” — Emily Covington
- “Judges don’t pick U.S. Attorneys, @POTUS does,” — Todd Blanche
- “The rule of law requires that prosecutorial decisions remain free from political interference, and that lawful judicial appointments be respected.” — Roger Rogoff
- “But the President wants to appoint an out-of-touch extremist who will put Trump over the rule of law.” — Patty Murray
What’s Next
Rogoff’s counsel has signaled intent to sue the Justice Department, potentially testing the limits of 28 U.S.C. 541(c) and the president’s removal power. The outcome could set a precedent for future disputes over judicial appointments of U.S. attorneys when the executive branch withholds a formal nominee.
