Story perspectives

Trump Fires Washington Attorney; Court Upholds Authority, Blocks DOJ Reassignment

7/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump fired Roger Rogoff, Washington attorney, after 54 minutes on July 15.
Rogoff sued days later, contesting the president’s authority to remove the attorney.
Chief Judge Stanley Bastian of Washington took the case, refusing recusal.
Blanche said the firing was wholly within the President’s authority.
Court denied Justice Department’s request to reassign the case and ruled prosecutors Lindsey Halligan and Alina Habba were unlawfully installed.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump fired Roger Rogoff, Washington attorney, after 54 minutes on July 15.
Rogoff sued days later, contesting the president’s authority to remove the attorney.
Chief Judge Stanley Bastian of Washington took the case, refusing recusal.
Blanche said the firing was wholly within the President’s authority.
Court denied Justice Department’s request to reassign the case and ruled prosecutors Lindsey Halligan and Alina Habba were unlawfully installed.