On Wednesday, July 16th, 2026, President Donald Trump fired Roger Rogoff, the newly appointed US attorney for Seattle, less than an hour after he was unanimously appointed by federal judges in the district. Rogoff, a former judge and veteran state and federal prosecutor, was sworn in before 8 a.m. at the US courthouse in downtown Seattle.

Following his swearing-in, Rogoff went to the US attorney’s office seeking to meet Charles Neil Floyd, whose 120-day interim term had ended in February. While waiting in the lobby, Rogoff received an email from the Trump administration informing him of his removal from the position. He is currently consulting with lawyers about the possibility of suing over his firing.

When temporary appointments expire before a nominee is confirmed, judges in a judicial district have the authority to name a US attorney. A senator issued a written statement praising Rogoff’s commitment to public service and legal appointment by the federal judges, while criticizing the administration for bypassing advice and consent to install political allies.

This incident follows a similar case involving Lindsey Halligan, who left her acting US attorney position in Virginia after a judge ruled her appointment unlawful and dismissed indictments she brought against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey.

Rogoff, who spent 20 years as a state prosecutor and six years as a federal prosecutor before becoming a state judge, expressed pride in his career and humility at the judges’ confidence in him. He acknowledged he was aware the administration might fire him immediately.

Sources