U.S. President Donald Trump has chosen White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf to take over as White House counsel, elevating a key administration official to the presidency’s top legal post.
Scharf is expected to assume the position on September 1, moving from a role focused largely on the administrative operations of the Oval Office to one centered on the White House’s legal affairs.
Trump announced the appointment on Sunday, naming Scharf as both White House counsel and assistant to the president.
In his current position as staff secretary, Scharf has played a central role in managing the flow of documents and administrative business reaching the president. He has also headed the National Capital Planning Commission, which approved plans for the construction of a new ballroom at the White House.
Scharf will replace David Warrington, who is leaving the administration for the private sector. Warrington previously worked as Trump’s personal attorney and was also part of the legal team for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
The appointment places Scharf at the center of legal issues facing the White House as the administration continues to navigate major policy and political battles.
