Trump appoints staff secretary Will Scharf as new White House counsel

President Donald Trump appointed Will Scharf as the new White House counsel and assistant to the president on 1 September. Scharf previously served as the staff secretary who played a significant role in securing approval for the $400 million White House ballroom project. The appointment comes as Trump prepares for the upcoming midterm elections, where his Republican party will be fighting to maintain control of Congress.

Democrats have vowed to investigate Trump and his administration if they are successful in November. The White House counsel's office oversees legal and policy matters related to the presidency, including presidential pardons, judicial appointments, judicial reviews, and handling congressional investigations and lawsuits against the president when he is sued in his official capacity.

Scharf's background includes serving as a federal prosecutor and representing Trump in several cases, including a case at the Supreme Court. Trump praised Scharf's toughness, strength, and intelligence, expressing confidence in his ability to excel in the role. The appointment was made after Scharf was named chair of the National Capital Planning Commission in July 2025, an executive branch agency responsible for construction and major renovations of government buildings in the region.

Construction on Trump's ballroom project is already underway, having received final approval from the NCPC in April, although a divided federal appeals court has ruled that construction must cease due to the lack of congressional approval. Trump intends to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.