WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has appointed White House staff secretary Will Scharf as his next White House counsel, replacing David Warrington in a change that will take effect on Sept. 1, according to the Associated Press.
Trump announced the appointment on Sunday, saying Scharf would become counsel and assistant to the president. Warrington is leaving the administration to enter the private sector, the AP reported.
Scharf, a lawyer and former federal prosecutor, has served as Trump's staff secretary and previously represented the president in several legal matters, including before the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump also appointed Scharf in 2025 to chair the National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees major construction and renovation projects involving federal buildings in the Washington region.
“Will is Tough, Strong, and Smart! He also loves our Country, and respects the Law,” Trump wrote on Truth Social in announcing the appointment. “Will Scharf will do a great job as White House Counsel!”
The White House counsel advises the president and administration on legal and policy matters and serves as a principal liaison with the Justice Department. The office also handles issues involving presidential pardons, judicial appointments, legislation, congressional investigations and litigation involving the president in his official capacity.
Scharf joined Trump's legal team in 2023 after the president left office and was among his lawyers in the federal election-interference case brought by special counsel Jack Smith. The case reached the Supreme Court, which ruled in 2024 that presidents have broad immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts.
The appointment comes ahead of the November midterm elections, when Republicans will seek to maintain control of Congress. Democrats have said they would pursue investigations of the Trump administration if they win control of either chamber.
Scharf also played a role in the administration's effort to obtain approval for a planned $400 million White House ballroom while serving on the National Capital Planning Commission. A federal appeals court has since ordered construction halted, finding that congressional approval was required; Trump has said he would appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
Scharf is scheduled to assume the White House counsel position on Sept. 1, with Warrington departing the administration.
