U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed Will Scharf as White House counsel and assistant to the president, with the new role taking effect on September 1.
Scharf currently serves as White House staff secretary, overseeing the administrative operations of the Oval Office. In his new position, he will become the White House’s top legal adviser, replacing David Warrington, who is leaving the administration to enter the private sector.
Trump announced the appointment on Sunday, as part of a change in his senior legal team. Warrington previously served as Trump’s personal counsel and legal adviser during his 2024 presidential campaign.
Scharf has also chaired the National Capital Planning Commission, which approved plans for Trump’s proposed ballroom at the White House. The $400 million project has faced legal challenges, including a federal court ruling temporarily blocking above-ground construction pending further authorization.
His involvement with the planning commission means Scharf has already played a significant role in one of the administration’s most controversial efforts to reshape the White House complex.
As White House counsel, Scharf will advise Trump on constitutional, legal and executive matters and is expected to play a central role in defending the administration’s policies against legal challenges.
The appointment comes as Trump pursues an extensive transformation of the White House and other major federal sites in Washington, including the proposed ballroom and broader changes to the capital’s historic landmarks.
