President Donald Trump has announced Will Scharf as his new White House counsel, effective September 1. The appointment elevates Scharf from his current position as White House Staff Secretary to one of the administration’s most significant legal roles, replacing David Warrington who is departing for the private sector.
Scharf brings extensive experience in Trump’s legal matters. He joined Trump’s legal team in 2023 and worked on the federal election interference case that reached the Supreme Court, which ruled in 2024 that presidents enjoy broad immunity from criminal prosecution for official actions. During Trump’s first term, Scharf also contributed to the confirmation process of federal judges, including Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
As White House Staff Secretary since January 2025, Scharf has managed documents reaching the president and overseen the implementation of major policy decisions. His involvement extends to the controversial White House ballroom project, which he championed as chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission. A federal appeals court recently upheld an order halting construction, ruling that such a major alteration requires congressional approval.
The timing of Scharf’s appointment comes months before November’s midterm elections, when Democrats have pledged to investigate Trump and his administration should they gain congressional control. The position of White House counsel carries significant responsibility, advising on legal and constitutional matters while coordinating responses to lawsuits and congressional inquiries.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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