Source: Fortune
Summary
Roger Rogoff, the former U.S. attorney for western Washington, has sued the Trump administration over his termination. Rogoff was appointed by federal judges in the district after a vacancy, but was fired by President Donald Trump shortly after being sworn in. The lawsuit claims the firing was unconstitutional and disregarded the authority of the judges. Rogoff seeks a court order declaring the firing “unlawful and void” and that he remains U.S. attorney. The case tests the Justice Department’s authority to fire federal prosecutors appointed by judges.
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The announcement sounds familiar.
The Trump administration has been criticized for its efforts to control who occupies powerful Justice Department posts. Rogoff’s firing is the latest in a series of judicially appointed U.S. attorneys to be ousted by the administration. The lawsuit claims the administration’s actions violate the law and ignore the protections of the Constitution. The case has sparked a debate over the authority of the Justice Department to fire federal prosecutors appointed by judges. The administration has argued that the President has the authority to fire U.S. attorneys, but Rogoff’s lawsuit challenges this claim.
The strategy enters a familiar phase.
The Trump administration’s actions have been met with resistance from the judiciary. The lawsuit highlights the tension between the executive and judicial branches over the appointment and removal of U.S. attorneys. The case has implications for the balance of power between the branches of government. The administration’s efforts to control the Justice Department have been criticized as an attempt to undermine the independence of the judiciary.
Author: Evan Null
