Trump Names Will Scharf as White House Counsel
US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Will Scharf, the staff secretary who also chairs the National Capital Planning Commission, will become the new White House counsel starting September 1. Scharf, who previously served as a federal prosecutor and represented Trump in several cases including at the Supreme Court, will replace David Warrington, who is leaving the administration for the private sector. Trump praised Scharf as "Tough, Strong, and Smart!" in a post on Truth Social. The change comes months before the midterm elections, with Democrats vowing investigations if they win Congress. The White House counsel advises on legal and policy issues, handles pardons, judicial appointments, and congressional investigations. Scharf was appointed to the National Capital Planning Commission in July 2025, where he helped secure approval for a US$400 million ballroom project.
Key facts
- Trump announced Will Scharf as new White House counsel on Sunday.
- Scharf will replace David Warrington on September 1.
- Scharf previously served as federal prosecutor and represented Trump at the Supreme Court.
- Scharf is chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission.
- Scharf helped secure approval for a US$400 million ballroom project.
- Warrington is leaving for the private sector.
- The change occurs months before midterm elections.
- Democrats have vowed to pursue investigations if they win Congress.
Entities
Institutions
- White House
- National Capital Planning Commission
- Supreme Court
- Republican Party
- Democrats
- Justice Department
- Congress
Locations
- United States