Trump’s new White House counsel headed the commission that secured his $400 million ballroom project
Will Scharf will be replacing David Warrington, who will be leaving the administration to join the private sector.
President Donald Trump has appointed Will Scharf as his new White House counsel, effective September 1. Scharf, currently the staff secretary, previously served as head of the National Capital Planning Commission, where he facilitated the approval of a $400 million ballroom project for the White House. Trump praised Scharf's toughness, strength, intelligence, love for the country, and respect for the law in a post on Truth Social.
The change in White House counsel comes as the midterm elections approach, with Democrats planning to investigate Trump and his administration if they gain control of Congress. As White House counsel, Scharf will advise on legal and policy matters, handle presidential pardons, oversee judicial appointments, assist in judicial appointments, and manage congressional investigations into the administration.
In July 2025, Trump named Scharf as the head of the National Capital Planning Commission, which has jurisdiction over construction and major renovations in the region. However, a divided federal appeals court ruled in April that construction on the ballroom project must stop until Congress approves it, prompting Trump to vow to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The project is already underway, with construction having begun on the east side of the White House.
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