Story perspectives

Judge Reinstates Roger Rogoff as U.S. Attorney

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 2:30 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Judge Stanley Bastian reinstated Roger Rogoff as Washington U.S. attorney, ruling President Donald Trump cannot fire a district-appointed attorney.
Rogoff took the oath on July 15, 2026 and was fired by email within an hour.
The Justice Department will appeal the ruling and seek an immediate stay.
An injunction bars the Justice Department and Attorney General Todd Blanche from interfering with Rogoff’s duties.

History

Historical Context

In December 2006, the George W. Bush administration, through Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, abruptly fired seven U.S. attorneys, prompting Senate Judiciary Committee hearings and an Inspector General report that called the process “arbitrary.” The controversy established a judicial check that resurfaced in 2024 when Judge Stanley Bastian ruled President Donald Trump could not dismiss U.S. attorney Roger Rogoff, reinforcing limits on executive removal power.

1 of 2

Story summary

Judge Stanley Bastian reinstated Roger Rogoff as Washington U.S. attorney, ruling President Donald Trump cannot fire a district-appointed attorney.
Rogoff took the oath on July 15, 2026 and was fired by email within an hour.
The Justice Department will appeal the ruling and seek an immediate stay.
An injunction bars the Justice Department and Attorney General Todd Blanche from interfering with Rogoff’s duties.

1 / 2