{
  "id": 471125,
  "title": "Trump's new White House counsel could soon face a subpoena fight",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/trumps-new-white-house-counsel-could-soon-face-a-subpoena-fight",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-10T11:50:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Axios",
    "slug": "axios",
    "url": "https://www.axios.com/2026/08/10/will-scharf-white-house-counsel-midterms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On September 1, President Trump announced that White House staff secretary Will Scharf will assume the role of White House counsel. This transition occurs just two months prior to the midterms, a period during which a potential Democratic House could intensify conflicts over subpoenas, testimony, and executive privilege. Scharf's appointment marks the latest instance of a former personal lawyer for Trump securing a prominent legal position within the administration. Todd Blanche, another former Trump lawyer, was recently confirmed as attorney general, while D. John Sauer, who argued Trump's Supreme Court immunity case, has been serving as solicitor general since 2025. Scharf had previously worked on Trump's legal team in that case. Currently, Scharf is set to replace White House counsel David Warrington, who is departing for the private sector, as announced by Trump. Prior to his appointment as staff secretary, Scharf managed the flow of documents between the president and other officials. He also chairs the National Capital Planning Commission, a body responsible for facilitating Trump's White House ballroom construction project. However, an appellate court recently halted this endeavor. In terms of its function, the White House counsel advises the president and senior staff on legal matters and assists in handling responses to congressional investigations. This role becomes particularly significant when the White House and Congress find themselves in opposition, as is anticipated if Democrats gain control over the House or Senate in November. Congressional Democrats are already preparing for a barrage of subpoenas should they achieve electoral success in November.",
  "summary": "White House staff secretary Will Scharf will take over as White House counsel on Sept. 1, President Trump announced Sunday. Why it matters: Scharf begins his job just two months before the midterms, when a possible Democratic House could put him at the center of fights over subpoenas, testimony and executive privilege. The big picture: Scharf is the latest of Trump's former personal lawyers to…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}