WASHINGTON, United States — President Donald Trump has named White House staff secretary Will Scharf as the administration’s next White House counsel, with Scharf set to take over the legal post on September 1 as the administration approaches a politically significant midterm election period.
- Will Scharf will become White House counsel on September 1.
- He will replace David Warrington, who is leaving the administration for the private sector.
- Scharf previously worked as a federal prosecutor and represented Trump in several legal cases, including before the Supreme Court.
- His appointment comes as Trump’s administration faces potential congressional investigations and ongoing legal disputes.
Will Scharf named new White House counsel
Trump announced the appointment on Sunday, praising Scharf’s legal background and loyalty to his administration. The president said Scharf had previously represented him in several cases, including proceedings before the U.S. Supreme Court.
“Will is Tough, Strong, and Smart! He also loves our Country, and respects the Law,”
Trump also said Scharf would do a great job as White House counsel. Scharf will replace David Warrington, who is leaving the administration to enter the private sector.
White House counsel role comes with broad responsibilities
The White House counsel advises the president and administration on legal and policy matters connected to the presidency. The office also serves as the primary White House point of contact with the Justice Department.
Its responsibilities include handling presidential pardons, working on judicial appointments and reviewing legislation. The counsel’s office also plays a role in responding to congressional investigations and lawsuits involving the president in his official capacity.
Scharf is taking the position at a time when the administration is preparing for the 2026 midterm elections. Democrats have said they would pursue investigations into Trump and his administration if they win in November, potentially increasing the legal demands on the White House counsel’s office.
Scharf has long ties to Trump’s legal and judicial agenda
Scharf previously worked during Trump’s first administration to help secure Senate confirmation for federal judges and Supreme Court justices. His work included efforts connected to the confirmations of Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
After Trump left office, Scharf joined his legal team in October 2023. He represented Trump in the federal election interference case brought by special counsel Jack Smith, which eventually reached the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court ruled in that case that presidents have broad immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts, a decision that became a significant part of the legal landscape surrounding Trump’s prosecution.
Trump’s former lawyers gain prominent administration roles
Scharf is among several attorneys who represented Trump and later received senior positions in his second administration. Todd Blanche, who represented Trump during his New York hush money trial, was confirmed as attorney general last week.
The appointments have strengthened the administration’s legal team with figures who have direct experience handling Trump’s legal disputes and navigating high-profile cases involving the president.
From staff secretary to White House counsel
As Trump’s staff secretary, Scharf managed the documents and papers that reached the president’s desk. He frequently remained alongside Trump during executive-order signing ceremonies and explained the documents being signed.
Trump also appointed Scharf in July 2025 to chair the National Capital Planning Commission, the executive branch agency responsible for overseeing construction and major renovations involving government buildings in the Washington region.
Scharf linked to White House ballroom project
In his role at the National Capital Planning Commission, Scharf helped secure approval for Trump’s $400 million ballroom project. The commission granted final approval in April.
However, a divided federal appeals court ruled on Friday that construction must stop because Congress had not approved the project. Trump has said he will appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Construction has already progressed, with the project beginning to rise above ground on the eastern side of the White House. Scharf’s move to the counsel’s office will now place him at the centre of the administration’s legal operations as Trump faces the next phase of his presidency.
