Trump Names Staff Secretary Will Scharf as New White House Counsel
United States President Donald Trump has announced that Will Scharf, currently serving as staff secretary, will become the new White House counsel effective September 1. Scharf will replace David Warrington, who is leaving the administration to join the private sector.
Trump made the announcement on Sunday on his social media platform, Truth Social. He described Scharf as “Tough, Strong, and Smart!” and said he “loves our Country, and respects the Law.” Trump added, “Will Scharf will do a great job as White House Counsel!”
Scharf previously served as a federal prosecutor and represented Trump in several legal matters, including before the U.S. Supreme Court. His new role comes at a significant time, just months before the midterm elections, in which Trump’s Republican Party will seek to retain control of Congress. Democratic leaders have said they would pursue investigations into the Trump administration if they win majorities in November.
The White House counsel is responsible for providing legal and policy advice to the president. The office serves as the primary White House liaison with the Justice Department, handles presidential pardons, assists with judicial appointments, reviews legislation, and manages responses to congressional investigations and lawsuits against the president in his official capacity.
In July 2025, Trump appointed Scharf as chair of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), an executive branch agency that oversees construction and major renovations of government buildings in the Washington, D.C., region. Under Scharf’s leadership, the NCPC granted final approval in April for a $400 million ballroom project near the White House.
However, a divided federal appeals court ruled on Friday that construction on the ballroom must stop because Congress had not authorized the project. Trump has said he will appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court. The project is already underway, with visible construction on the east side of the White House.
The transition in the White House counsel’s office is part of a broader staffing change within the administration. Warrington’s departure had been anticipated, and his successor’s background in federal prosecution and Supreme Court advocacy is expected to shape the office’s approach to upcoming legal and congressional challenges.
The appointment does not require Senate confirmation. Scharf will assume his duties at the start of next month, according to the president’s announcement.
