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Western Washington U.S. Attorney appointment dispute
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2026-10-02 04:31 UTC → 2026-10-02 04:32 UTC ·
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A legal dispute has emerged regarding the appointment and removal of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington. Following a period of judicial instability, 17 judges in the district unanimously appointed Roger Rogoff to the position in July 2026 after the president failed to provide a Senate-confirmed nominee. President Donald Trump dismissed Rogoff less than an hour after his appointment, prompting a legal challenge. A federal judge U.S. District Judge Stanley Bastian subsequently blocked the dismissal, ruling that the president cannot unilaterally remove a U.S. attorney who was appointed by a federal district court. The judge noted Judge Bastian stated that the ruling centers on the Constitution’s “separation of powers and the appointments clause,” noting that presidential authority to remove such officials is limited to those confirmed by the Senate, addressing the legal transition Senate. The judge argued that occurs once interim appointment limits expire. allowing the president to fire court-appointed attorneys would “undermine the incentive for the executive branch to nominate candidates for Senate confirmation.” The Department of Justice has expressed disagreement with the ruling and intends to appeal. In response to the vacancy, President Trump has nominated Pete Serrano, a Republican and founder of the Silent Majority Foundation, to serve as the U.S. attorney for the district. Serrano is expected to face opposition from Washington’s Democratic senators.
Versions
- 2026-10-02 04:32 UTC Western Washington U.S. Attorney appointment dispute
- 2026-10-02 04:31 UTC Western Washington U.S. Attorney appointment dispute
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