Trump taps Will Scharf, top aide on ballroom project and staff secretary, as new WH counsel
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Sunday, August 9, announced that Will Scharf, a senior White House aide who helped secure approval for the administration’s proposed $400 million White House ballroom, will become the new White House counsel.
Scharf will replace David Warrington beginning September 1, with Warrington leaving the administration for the private sector. The appointment brings one of Trump’s longtime legal allies into a senior role as the administration faces a range of legal and congressional issues ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Will Scharf moves from staff secretary to White House counsel
Trump announced Scharf’s appointment in a post on Truth Social, praising his legal background and previous work representing him in several cases, including before the Supreme Court. He also represented Trump during legal battles brought during the Biden administration.
“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.
It is my Great Honor to announce that, effective September 1st, Will Scharf will become Assistant to the President and White House Counsel, replacing a man, David Warrington, who has done a truly outstanding job as White House Counsel and, before that, for my Presidential… pic.twitter.com/EAg48qPyu2
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) August 9, 2026
The president also highlighted Scharf’s academic and legal credentials before praising his work inside the administration. “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!” Trump wrote.
As White House staff secretary, Scharf has managed documents and executive orders presented to Trump for review and signature. He has frequently appeared alongside the president during signing ceremonies and has played a central role in managing paperwork moving through the White House.
Scharf previously worked in Trump’s first administration, where he was involved in the confirmation process for federal judicial nominees, including Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
He later joined the president’s legal team in 2023 and represented Trump in the federal election interference case brought by special counsel Jack Smith. The case ultimately reached the Supreme Court, which ruled that presidents have broad immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts.
Will Scharf's ballroom role draws attention
Scharf has also served as chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission, the executive branch agency responsible for reviewing major construction and renovation projects in the Washington area.
Trump appointed Scharf to lead the commission in July 2025. In that role, Scharf oversaw the review process for the Republican leader's proposed White House ballroom, which received final approval from the commission in April. The project, estimated at $400 million, has already progressed beyond the planning stage, with construction beginning on the east side of the White House.
Scharf’s move to the counsel’s office comes as the administration prepares for the 2026 midterm elections. The White House counsel advises the president on legal and policy matters, serves as a key liaison with the Justice Department and handles issues involving presidential pardons, judicial nominations and legislation.
Trump’s announcement follows the Senate confirmation of another of his former attorneys, Todd Blanche, as attorney general, making Scharf the latest lawyer from Trump’s legal orbit to take a senior position in his second administration.
