President Donald Trump announced on August 9 that Will Scharf, currently the White House staff secretary, will become White House counsel and assistant to the president effective September 1, replacing David Warrington, who is leaving the administration for the private sector.
Scharf, who is Jewish, previously served as a federal prosecutor and has represented Trump in multiple cases, including before the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump praised Scharf in a post on Truth Social, calling him "Tough, Strong, and Smart!" and stating that he "loves our Country, and respects the Law."
Key responsibilities of the White House counsel include advising on legal and policy matters related to the presidency, serving as the primary contact for the Justice Department, handling presidential pardons, reviewing legislation, and managing congressional investigations and lawsuits against the president in an official capacity. The role also involves working on judicial appointments and overseeing major renovations to government buildings in Washington, D.C., through the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC).
Scharf previously chaired the NCPC, which approved the construction of a $400 million White House ballroom during his tenure. His appointment comes at a politically sensitive time, with midterm elections approaching in November, where Republicans are seeking to maintain control of Congress. Democrats have indicated they will pursue investigations into Trump and his administration if they gain control of either chamber.
Background on Scharf’s career
Scharf holds degrees from Princeton University and Harvard Law School, and has served as a federal appeals court clerk. During Trump’s first term, he played a role in securing confirmations for judges, including Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. After Trump left office, Scharf rejoined his legal team in October 2023 and served as one of his attorneys in the election interference case brought by special counsel Jack Smith, which reached the Supreme Court.
Transition timeline and implications
Warrington, the outgoing counsel, previously served as Trump’s personal counsel and as a lawyer for his 2024 presidential campaign. Trump described Warrington’s tenure as "truly outstanding" and thanked him for his service. The transition is scheduled to take effect on September 1, aligning with the lead-up to the midterm elections.
The White House counsel’s office is a critical position, often involved in high-stakes legal and political decisions, particularly in an administration facing ongoing legal challenges and congressional scrutiny. Scharf’s appointment signals a continuation of Trump’s legal strategy, with a focus on experienced attorneys who have previously defended him in high-profile cases.