Judge Reinstates Seattle US Attorney Fired by Trump, Citing Limits on Presidential Power

A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to reinstate a court-appointed US attorney in Seattle who was fired by President Donald Trump shortly after taking office. The ruling represents a significant legal check on executive power and is the first of its kind for a prosecutor removed by the current administration.

The Court's Decision

Chief Judge Stanley Bastian of the federal court in Yakima, Washington, issued a preliminary ruling in favor of Roger Rogoff, who was ousted in July less than an hour after being appointed by district court judges. The judge stated that the president overstepped his authority in this specific circumstance.

"Congress did not give the power to fill this inferior office to the president alone," Judge Bastian said at the conclusion of a hearing, as reported by Reuters. He added that the president "cannot unilaterally fire a United States attorney appointed by the district court." The court declared Rogoff the "rightful holder of that office since July 15, 2026."

A Test of Executive Authority

This case marks a notable development in a broader power struggle between the White House and the federal judiciary. While the Trump administration has removed other court-appointed US attorneys in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia, Rogoff was the first to challenge his dismissal in court.

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The Department of Justice had argued that the president's action was a valid exercise of executive power. Rogoff was appointed by the judges of the Western District of Washington to fill a vacancy that lacked a Senate-confirmed nominee. The judge's order directs the administration not to obstruct Rogoff from accessing the resources and benefits associated with his position.

Implications for the Justice Department

The ruling creates a complex situation for the US attorney's office for the Western District of Washington, which employs 85 attorneys and 70 support staff. The White House recently nominated Pete Serrano to lead the office, a nomination now complicated by Rogoff's court-ordered reinstatement.

As of the ruling, the White House and the Justice Department had not issued an immediate response. While this legal and political development is significant for the separation of powers, it is not expected to have a direct or immediate impact on broader financial markets.