Will Scharf Appointed as New White House Counsel
The Trump administration has announced a significant change in its legal team. Effective September 1, Will Scharf will assume the role of White House counsel, taking over from David Warrington, who is transitioning to the private sector. Scharf, previously Trump’s staff secretary, has a notable background as a federal prosecutor and has represented the former president in several high-profile cases, including proceedings at the Supreme Court.
President Trump expressed confidence in Scharf’s capabilities, stating on Truth Social, “Will is Tough, Strong, and Smart! He also loves our Country, and respects the Law. Will Scharf will do a great job as White House Counsel!”
This leadership change occurs as the Republican Party, with Trump at the helm, prepares for the upcoming midterm elections. These elections are crucial as the Democrats aim to investigate Trump and his administration should they gain control of Congress.
The role of the White House counsel is multifaceted, advising on legal and policy issues surrounding the presidency. The office liaises with the Justice Department, manages presidential pardons, judicial appointments, legislative reviews, and oversees congressional investigations and lawsuits against the president in his official capacity.
During Trump’s first term, Scharf played a pivotal role in confirming judges and justices, including U.S. Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. After Trump’s initial term, Scharf joined his legal team in October 2023 and represented him in the election interference case led by special counsel Jack Smith, which was ultimately decided by the Supreme Court.
Scharf is among several of Trump’s legal associates who have been integrated into his second administration. Recently, Todd Blanche, who defended Trump in the Republican’s hush money trial in New York, was confirmed as attorney general.
As staff secretary, Scharf was instrumental in managing presidential documents and was present during executive orders signings, providing detailed commentary on the proceedings. In July 2025, Trump appointed Scharf as chair of the National Capital Planning Commission, overseeing construction and renovations of government buildings.
The commission recently approved a $400 million ballroom project, although a federal appeals court has halted construction due to lack of congressional approval. Despite this, Trump intends to appeal to the Supreme Court, and the project has already seen significant progress on the White House’s east side.
