RismadarVoice Reporters, August 10, 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf will become the next White House counsel, replacing David Warrington, who is leaving the administration for the private sector.
Trump said Scharf will assume the position on September 1, describing him as a capable lawyer with a strong understanding of both the presidency and the law.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump praised Scharf as “tough, strong and smart” and expressed confidence that he would perform well in the new role.
Scharf, a former federal prosecutor, has represented Trump in several legal matters, including a case that reached the U.S. Supreme Court.
The appointment comes at a politically sensitive period for the Trump administration, with the 2026 midterm elections approaching and Republicans seeking to maintain control of Congress.
Democrats have indicated that they could launch investigations into Trump and members of his administration if they gain control of either chamber of Congress in November.
As White House counsel, Scharf will advise the President and senior officials on legal and policy matters involving the administration. The office also serves as a key link between the White House and the Justice Department.
The counsel’s office handles issues including presidential pardons, judicial appointments, legislation, congressional investigations and lawsuits involving the President in his official capacity.
Scharf has a longstanding relationship with Trump’s administration. During Trump’s first term, he worked on efforts to secure Senate confirmation for judicial nominees, including Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
After Trump left office, Scharf joined his legal team in October 2023 and represented him in the federal election-interference case brought by special counsel Jack Smith. The case eventually reached the Supreme Court, which ruled that presidents have broad immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts.
Scharf has also held a senior role at the National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees major construction and renovation projects involving federal properties in the Washington area.
Trump appointed him chairman of the commission in July 2025. During his tenure, the commission approved the proposed $400 million White House ballroom project in April.
However, a federal appeals court recently ordered construction to stop, ruling that congressional approval was required for the project. Trump has indicated that he intends to challenge the decision before the Supreme Court.
Scharf’s move to the counsel’s office makes him one of several lawyers who have worked closely with Trump and subsequently received senior positions in his second administration.
