Donald Trump Names Will Scharf as White House Counsel

President Donald Trump announced Sunday that White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf will become the White House Counsel and Assistant to the President effective September 1. Scharf, a former federal prosecutor and personal lawyer for the president, will replace David Warrington, who is returning to the private sector.

In his current capacity, Scharf manages administrative work for the Oval Office and chairs the National Capital Planning Commission. That commission recently approved a $400 million White House ballroom project, though a federal appeals court has since ordered the construction to stop.

Scharf takes over the legal role as the administration faces potential congressional investigations and the approach of midterm elections. He will manage ongoing court challenges involving tariffs, birthright citizenship, and the legality of the contested ballroom project.