President Donald Trump has appointed White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf as the next White House counsel, replacing David Warrington in a major legal staffing change set to take effect September 1, 2026. The appointment comes just months before the midterm elections, when the administration could face intensified congressional scrutiny and legal challenges.
According to a report by NBC News, Trump praised Scharf as “tough, strong, and smart” and highlighted his previous work as a federal prosecutor and attorney who represented Trump in several legal cases.
What Happened
Trump announced Sunday that Scharf will become White House counsel beginning September 1. He will replace David Warrington, who is leaving the administration to enter the private sector.
The White House counsel serves as the president’s principal legal adviser on matters involving the presidency and the administration. The office also serves as the main White House connection to the Justice Department and handles issues involving presidential pardons, judicial appointments, legislation, congressional investigations and lawsuits against the president in his official capacity.
The timing makes the appointment particularly significant. Republicans will defend their congressional majorities in the November midterms, while Democrats have indicated they could launch investigations into Trump and his administration if they win control of Congress.
Who Is Will Scharf?
Scharf currently serves as Trump’s White House staff secretary, a position that puts him close to the president and involves managing the documents and papers that reach Trump’s desk.
He frequently accompanies Trump during executive order signing ceremonies and helps guide the president through documents being signed in the Oval Office.
Before joining the administration, Scharf worked as a federal prosecutor and later became one of Trump’s lawyers. He joined Trump’s legal team in October 2023 and represented the former president in the federal election interference case brought by special counsel Jack Smith.
That case eventually reached the Supreme Court, which ruled that presidents have broad immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts.
Scharf also previously worked during Trump’s first administration on judicial nominations. His work included helping secure confirmation of Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
Scharf’s Role in Trump’s White House Ballroom Project
Scharf has also played a prominent role in Trump’s effort to build a new ballroom at the White House.
Trump appointed him in July 2025 to chair the National Capital Planning Commission, the executive branch agency responsible for reviewing construction and major renovations involving federal property in the Washington region.
Under Scharf’s leadership, the commission approved the administration’s plans for the approximately $400 million White House ballroom project in April 2026. The commission voted 8-1 to approve the project despite a federal judge’s order that had halted construction unless Congress authorized the work.
A federal appeals court later ruled that construction must stop because Congress had not approved the project, and Trump has said he intends to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
The legal dispute surrounding the ballroom adds another important dimension to Scharf’s new position because the White House counsel will be responsible for advising the president on major legal and constitutional disputes.
A Key Legal Role Ahead of the Midterms
The White House counsel’s office could become especially important as the administration approaches the 2026 midterm elections.
If Democrats gain control of either chamber of Congress, congressional investigations into Trump’s administration could expand significantly. The counsel’s office would help the White House respond to subpoenas, congressional requests, investigations and potential disputes over executive privilege.
Scharf’s previous experience working directly on Trump’s legal defense could therefore become relevant as the administration faces new legal and political challenges.
The appointment follows a broader pattern of Trump bringing former legal allies into senior government positions. Todd Blanche, who represented Trump during his New York hush-money trial, was recently confirmed as attorney general.
The administration’s reliance on executive action has already generated significant litigation. The legal environment surrounding Trump’s presidency can also be seen in challenges to Trump’s executive actions, where questions about presidential authority have become central to court battles.
What the White House Counsel Does
The counsel’s office has a broad range of responsibilities beyond defending the president in court.
Legal and Policy Advice
The counsel advises Trump and senior White House officials on whether proposed policies and presidential actions comply with federal law and the Constitution.
Congressional Investigations
The office can help coordinate the White House response to congressional investigations, including questions involving executive privilege, subpoenas and requests for testimony or documents.
Presidential Pardons and Appointments
The counsel also works on presidential pardons and provides legal guidance concerning judicial nominations and other presidential appointments.
Legislation and Litigation
The office reviews legislation and helps manage lawsuits involving the president in his official capacity, making it an important part of the administration’s legal strategy.
These responsibilities could become increasingly consequential as Trump continues pursuing major executive actions and policy changes. The administration’s broader use of executive authority has already been a recurring source of litigation, including Trump’s push to advance major executive-order policies.
David Warrington’s Departure
Scharf will replace David Warrington, Trump’s current White House counsel.
Warrington previously served as Trump’s personal lawyer and worked on his 2024 presidential campaign before joining the administration. He will leave the White House for the private sector.
His departure represents another change among Trump’s senior legal advisers as the administration enters a politically sensitive period.
What Happens Next
Scharf is scheduled to formally assume the White House counsel position on September 1.
His first months in the role will coincide with the final stretch of the 2026 midterm election campaign and could put the counsel’s office at the center of disputes involving congressional oversight, executive power and federal litigation.
Scharf’s combination of experience as Trump’s former lawyer, White House staff secretary and chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission gives him familiarity with both the president’s legal priorities and the administration’s internal operations.
The appointment ultimately places a trusted Trump legal ally in one of the White House’s most consequential legal positions at a time when the administration could face growing scrutiny from Congress and the courts. As the midterms approach, the White House counsel will likely play a central role in navigating the legal battles that could shape Trump’s second term.
Will Scharf, Trump’s current White House staff secretary and former lawyer, will become White House counsel on September 1, 2026.
Scharf will oversee legal issues involving the presidency as Trump approaches the 2026 midterms and potentially faces increased congressional investigations.