Trump announces staff secretary Will Scharf will be his new White House counsel

On Sunday, US President Donald Trump announced that Will Scharf, currently the staff secretary, will assume the role of White House counsel, effective September 1. Scharf, who previously served as a federal prosecutor and represented Trump in various cases, including those heard by the Supreme Court, will replace David Warrington, who is departing to enter the private sector.

Trump praised Scharf as "Tough, Strong, and Smart!" and emphasized his love for the country and respect for the law. The shift in the White House counsel's office comes as Trump prepares for the midterm elections, with Democrats threatening investigations into the administration if they secure victory in November. As White House counsel, Scharf will advise on legal and policy matters, manage presidential pardons, handle judicial appointments, oversee presidential pardons, and assist in congressional investigations and lawsuits against the president.

Trump appointed Scharf as chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission in July 2025, overseeing the approval of a $400 million ballroom project at the White House. Despite a federal appeals court ruling that construction must cease due to unapproved congressional funding, Trump plans to appeal the decision to the US Supreme Court. The project has already begun construction on the White House's east side.