President Donald Trump has announced that White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf will take over as the next top White House lawyer, replacing David Warrington. According to a social media announcement made by Washington Post, the transition in the office of the White House counsel is scheduled to take effect on September 1.
Trump Names Will Scharf as New White House Counsel
Scharf will assume the dual titles of assistant to the president and White House counsel, stepping up from his current role overseeing the administrative operations of the Oval Office, as reported by Bloomberg.com. In his social media statement, Trump praised his incoming top lawyer, writing on Truth Social: Will is Tough, Strong, and Smart! He also loves our Country, and respects the Law.
Scharf succeeds David Warrington, who is leaving the administration to join the private sector. Warrington previously served as a personal counsel and a lawyer for Trump’s 2024 campaign, and was commended by Trump for doing an outstanding job.
Legal Background and High-Profile Cases
Scharf brings an extensive legal background to his new post, having previously worked as a federal prosecutor, in private legal practice, and as a law clerk for two federal appeals court judges. Academic credentials noted by Indiatoday include attending Princeton University and Harvard Law School.
As part of Trump’s legal team beginning in 2023, Scharf worked on the federal election interference case brought by former special counsel Jack Smith. He was part of the legal team when the case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled in 2024 that presidents maintain broad immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. During Trump’s first term, Scharf also worked on the confirmation of federal judges, including Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
The White House Ballroom Controversy
In addition to his oval office administrative duties, Scharf has served as chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission following his appointment in July 2025. In that capacity, he helped oversee approval for the administration’s $400m White House ballroom project planned on the site of the demolished East Wing.
The project has become central to a broader legal battle over presidential authority. A divided federal appeals court ruled that construction on the ballroom must stop because Congress had not approved the major alteration, though Trump has vowed to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
Midterm Stakes and Duties of the Counsel’s Office
The leadership shift in the White House counsel’s office arrives at a critical political juncture, sitting just months ahead of November’s midterm elections where Republicans will fight to maintain control of Congress. Democrats have signaled intentions to launch investigations into Trump and his administration if they secure victories in November.
The White House counsel is responsible for advising the presidency on legal and constitutional matters. Key functions of the office include acting as the primary liaison to the Justice Department, processing presidential pardons, reviewing legislation and executive actions, and managing judicial appointments alongside defending the administration against congressional investigations and official lawsuits.
