Trump Names Will Scharf as New White House Legal Adviser/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Trump named staff secretary Will Scharf as White House counsel beginning Sept. 1. Scharf will replace David Warrington, who is leaving the administration for the private sector. The former Trump attorney also chairs the commission overseeing major federal development projects in Washington.
Quick Look
- Will Scharf will become White House counsel on Sept. 1.
- He will serve as the White House’s top legal adviser.
- Scharf replaces David Warrington.
- Warrington is leaving for a private-sector position.
- Both Scharf and Warrington previously served as Trump’s personal lawyers.
- Scharf currently works as White House staff secretary.
- He helps manage executive orders before Trump signs them.
- Scharf chairs the National Capital Planning Commission.
- The commission approved Trump’s White House ballroom plans.
- It also scrutinized the Federal Reserve headquarters renovation.
- Scharf ran unsuccessfully for Missouri attorney general in 2024.
- He previously served as a federal prosecutor in Missouri.
Deep Look
Trump appoints new top White House lawyer
President Donald Trump named staff secretary Will Scharf as the next White House counsel Sunday, elevating a former personal attorney to the administration’s most senior internal legal position.
Scharf is scheduled to start in the new role on Sept. 1.
He will replace David Warrington, who is leaving the White House to take a job in the private sector.
Like Scharf, Warrington represented Trump personally before joining his administration.
The White House counsel advises the president and executive branch officials on legal questions involving policy, executive authority, ethics, congressional investigations and litigation affecting the presidency.
Trump praises Scharf’s legal work
Trump announced the appointment by emphasizing Scharf’s previous work representing him in court.
“I know Will well! He previously represented me in numerous cases, including at the Supreme Court, during the Biden Administration’s corrupt and illegal campaign of Weaponization,” Trump wrote.
“Will is Tough, Strong, and Smart! He also loves our Country, and respects the Law. Will Scharf will do a great job as White House Counsel!”
The appointment places another lawyer with a history of personally representing Trump in a senior government role.
Scharf’s familiarity with Trump’s legal battles and governing priorities could make him an influential adviser as the administration faces continuing court challenges.
Scharf currently manages White House paperwork
As White House staff secretary, Scharf oversees much of the administration’s internal paperwork and administrative process.
His most visible responsibility has been managing executive orders as they move through the White House before receiving Trump’s signature.
During Oval Office signing events, Scharf commonly gives the president a brief description of each executive order before Trump signs it.
That role has given him direct involvement in the development and presentation of the administration’s policy actions.
It has also placed him regularly alongside Trump during televised White House events.
Planning commission role gives Scharf influence over Washington
Scharf also serves as chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission.
The panel oversees federal development and construction projects in the Washington region.
Its work has taken on greater prominence during Trump’s second term because the president has pursued several projects intended to reshape the White House and the capital.
Trump appointed multiple administration officials and allies to the commission, increasing White House influence over its decisions.
Commission examined Federal Reserve renovation
Under Scharf’s leadership, the commission scrutinized the renovation of the Federal Reserve’s headquarters.
Trump repeatedly criticized former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over the project and over Powell’s refusal to lower interest rates as aggressively as the president wanted.
The renovation became part of Trump’s broader campaign against the central bank’s leadership.
The Federal Reserve traditionally operates independently when setting interest-rate policy, although the president appoints members of its governing board subject to Senate confirmation.
Commission approved White House ballroom
The National Capital Planning Commission also approved Trump’s plans to construct a massive ballroom at the White House.
The project involved demolishing the East Wing and has become the subject of an ongoing legal dispute.
A federal appeals court has ruled that Trump cannot proceed with above-ground ballroom construction without congressional approval, although work on underground security facilities can continue.
Scharf’s connection to the commission means he has already been involved in a project that could generate additional legal questions when he becomes White House counsel.
Former prosecutor sought statewide office
Before Trump returned to office, Scharf worked on the president’s legal team.
He also ran unsuccessfully for Missouri attorney general in 2024.
Scharf previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri from 2020 to 2022.
His experience includes federal prosecution, political campaigning, private legal representation and senior White House administration.
As White House counsel, Scharf will move from processing executive actions to advising on their legality and defending the administration’s use of presidential power.
More on US News