President Trump Appoints Key Aide Will Scharf as Top White House Lawyer

2026-08-09 politics

Washington, Monday, 10 August 2026.
Effective September 1, Staff Secretary Will Scharf will become White House counsel, steering the administration’s legal strategy and legislative defense ahead of critical upcoming midterm elections.

Announcement of New White House Counsel

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, 9 August 2026, that White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf will become the new White House Counsel effective 1 September 2026 [1][4]. This appointment replaces David Warrington, who is departing the administration to join the private sector [5][7]. The announcement was made via Truth Social, where President Trump praised Scharf as tough, strong, and smart [2][4]. The transition period spans 23 days from the announcement date to the effective date, marking a strategic shift ahead of the midterm elections [1][8].

Scharf’s Background and NCPC Role

Will Scharf previously served as a federal prosecutor and has represented President Trump in multiple cases, including at the Supreme Court [1][3]. In July 2025, Trump named Scharf as chair of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), an executive branch agency overseeing construction on government buildings [3][5]. In this capacity, Scharf helped secure approval for the $400 million White House ballroom project [1][8]. While the project received final approval from the NCPC in April, a divided federal appeals court recently ruled that construction must stop pending congressional approval [3][7].

Political Context and Legal Strategy

The shakeup in the White House Counsel’s office occurs months before the midterm elections, where the Republican Party aims to maintain control of Congress [1][3]. Democrats have vowed to pursue investigations into the Trump administration if they succeed in November [3][5]. The White House Counsel serves as the primary contact for the Justice Department and handles judicial appointments, legislation reviews, and congressional investigations [1][8]. Scharf’s experience as a key legal strategist is expected to aid in managing these legislative and regulatory challenges [1][4].

Departing Counsel and Administration Stability

David Warrington, the outgoing White House Counsel, formerly served as personal counsel and a lawyer for Trump’s 2024 campaign [2][5]. His departure to the private sector coincides with this critical juncture for the administration [7][8]. Missouri Senator Mike Kehoe congratulated Scharf on the appointment, highlighting his role in reading executive orders in the Oval Office [6]. The administration maintains that this change ensures robust legal oversight as construction on the White House east side continues [3][7].

Sources

White House Counsel Will Scharf