On Wednesday, July 16, 2026, President Trump fired Roger Rogoff from his position as the top federal prosecutor in Seattle shortly after federal judges appointed him to the role. The judges of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington (WDWA) had installed Rogoff as U.S. attorney, highlighting his deep ties to the region and his extensive career in public service, including roles as a local and federal prosecutor, a judge on the King County Superior Court, and director of the Washington State Office of Independent Investigation.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced Rogoff's firing via social media, accusing the WDWA judges of bypassing the traditional consultation process with the administration before making their appointment. Blanche stated that the judges "abandoned the time-honored process of consultation with the administration so that the selected U.S. Attorney is qualified to serve in the administration."

In response, a spokesperson for the Western District of Washington defended Rogoff, saying, "Roger Rogoff is eminently qualified — throughout his career, he has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to public service, and he was appointed legally by the federal judges in the Western District of Washington."

This dismissal follows a pattern in the Trump administration, which has clashed with federal district courts in several states over court-appointed U.S. attorneys. After taking office in January 2025, Trump fired Tessa Gorman, who had been serving temporarily and was appointed by district judges in May 2024. Rogoff is the latest appointee to be removed amid this ongoing standoff.

Critics argue that the president aims to replace these appointees with loyalists who will prioritize political agendas, with some describing the intended replacements as "out-of-touch extremists" who would place Trump’s interests above the rule of law.

Sources