Trump Names New White House Counsel
President Trump announced that White House staff secretary Will Scharf will take over as White House counsel on September 1. Scharf's new role may put him at the center of potential fights over subpoenas and executive privilege if Democrats win control of the House in November.
President Trump announced on Sunday that White House staff secretary Will Scharf will become the new White House counsel on September 1. Scharf is replacing David Warrington, who is leaving the position to join the private sector. As staff secretary, Scharf has been responsible for overseeing the flow of documents to and from the president and has also chaired the National Capital Planning Commission.
Scharf's experience includes working on Trump's legal team in a Supreme Court immunity case. He is the latest of Trump's former personal lawyers to take on a powerful legal role in the administration. Other former Trump lawyers who have taken on key roles include Todd Blanche, who was confirmed as attorney general on Saturday, and D. John Sauer, who has served as solicitor general since 2025.
The White House counsel plays a crucial role in advising the president and senior staff on legal issues and managing responses to congressional investigations. With the midterm elections approaching, Scharf's new role may put him at the center of potential clashes between the White House and Congress, particularly if Democrats gain control of the House or Senate. Congressional Democrats are already preparing for potential investigations and subpoenas if they win in November.
Go Deeper
What is the role of the White House counsel?
The White House counsel advises the president and senior staff on legal issues and helps manage responses to congressional investigations.
Who is replacing David Warrington as White House counsel?
Will Scharf, the current White House staff secretary, will take over as White House counsel on September 1.
What experience does Will Scharf have working with President Trump?
Scharf worked on Trump's legal team in a Supreme Court immunity case and has been serving as White House staff secretary, overseeing the flow of documents to and from the president.
What are the potential implications of Scharf's new role if Democrats win control of the House in November?
Scharf may be at the center of fights over subpoenas, testimony, and executive privilege if Democrats gain control of the House and launch investigations into the Trump administration.
Who are some other former Trump lawyers who have taken on key roles in the administration?
Todd Blanche, who was confirmed as attorney general, and D. John Sauer, who has served as solicitor general since 2025, are two examples of former Trump lawyers who have taken on powerful roles in the administration.
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