Judge overturns Trump’s decision to fire court-appointed US attorney in Seattle

A federal judge in Washington blocked President Trump's decision to fire Roger Rogoff, the top federal prosecutor in Seattle. U.S. District Judge Stanley Bastian ruled that the president cannot fire a U.S. attorney appointed by a district court. Bastian stated that Rogoff is the rightful U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington, having taken his oath of office on July 15.

The president fired Rogoff less than an hour after his swearing-in. The Justice Department plans to appeal the ruling and seeks to halt it immediately. The judge also denied Charles Neil Floyd the authority to perform the role of U.S. attorney, as he was not appointed by the district court. The judge prohibited the Trump administration from removing Rogoff from his position, denying him access to benefits or resources, or obstructing his duties.

Rogoff had filed a lawsuit against the administration, arguing that his removal was unlawful and that the administration's actions would permit the executive branch to evade the Senate's role in confirming U.S. attorneys.