President Donald Trump announced a personnel change in the White House counsel’s office, designating Will Scharf to assume the role beginning next month. Scharf will replace David Warrington, who is departing the administration to pursue opportunities in the private sector.
Scharf brings extensive legal experience to the position, having previously worked as a federal prosecutor and served as Trump’s attorney in multiple cases, including matters that reached the U.S. Supreme Court. During Trump’s initial term in office, Scharf was instrumental in advancing judicial confirmations, including those of Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. More recently, he joined Trump’s legal team in October 2023 and participated in the defense against election interference charges brought by special counsel Jack Smith, a case in which the Supreme Court ultimately ruled that presidents possess broad immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts.
The White House counsel position carries significant responsibilities within the executive branch. The office advises on legal and constitutional matters related to the presidency, serves as the primary liaison to the Justice Department, oversees presidential pardons and judicial appointments, reviews legislative matters, and manages both congressional investigations and lawsuits targeting the president in his official capacity.
Scharf’s appointment comes at a consequential moment for the administration, with midterm elections approaching in November. The timing suggests potential strategic considerations, as the Democratic Party has indicated plans to launch investigations into Trump and his administration should they gain congressional control. Additionally, Scharf has gained attention for his role as chair of the National Capital Planning Commission, a position Trump assigned him in July 2025. In that capacity, he helped facilitate approval of a $400 million ballroom project associated with Trump, though a federal appeals court recently mandated a halt to construction over questions regarding congressional authorization.
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