Judge blocks Trump's firing of top federal prosecutor in Seattle

Washington — A federal judge on Thursday blocked President Trump's firing of Roger Rogoff from his post as the top federal prosecutor in Seattle, finding the president cannot unilaterally remove a U.S. attorney who has been tapped to the post by a district court.U.S. District Judge Stanley Bastian delivered his decision from the bench at the end of a hearing, during which he agreed to grant Rogoff's request to reinstate him until the Senate confirms a replacement. Mr. Trump nominated Simon Peter Serrano to the position of U.S. attorney in Seattle last month.Bastian ruled that Rogoff is the U.S. attorney in the Western District of Washington and has been the "rightful holder of that office" since July 15, when the federal district judges in the region installed him to the role and he took his oath of office.

Mr. Trump fired Rogoff less than an hour after he was sworn in."The real issue to be decided in this case by this court appears to be one of first impression: can the president fire a U.S. attorney appointed by the district court?" Bastian said, later adding, "The answer to the question the court is faced with is no. The president cannot unilaterally fire a United States attorney appointed by the district court."The Justice Department said it intends to appeal and will