US President Donald Trump has announced that Will Scharf will become assistant to the President and White House counsel, replacing David Warrington, who is set to leave the administration for the private sector.
In a social media post, Trump disclosed that Scharf would assume the position effective next month, praising him as a capable lawyer with experience representing the President in several legal matters. “It is my Great Honor to announce that, effective September 1st, Will Scharf will become Assistant to the President and White House Counsel,” Trump wrote.
Trump also praised Warrington for his work as White House counsel and during the President’s campaign, saying he had done a “truly outstanding job” in the role. According to Trump, Warrington will now move into the private sector after serving in the administration.
Trump did not provide details about Warrington’s next position in the private sector or explain the circumstances surrounding his departure beyond saying that he would be moving on from the administration.
Scharf currently serves as White House Staff Secretary, a position that places him within the administration’s senior staff structure. Trump said that Scharf had performed “an amazing job” in that role and highlighted his previous service as Chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission.
Trump also pointed to Scharf’s legal experience. Before joining the Trump administration, Scharf worked as a federal prosecutor and as an Attorney in private practice. Trump also noted that he had clerked for two federal appeals court judges.
Trump added that Scharf had previously represented him in several cases, including before the US Supreme Court. The President said that Scharf represented him during what he described as the Biden administration’s “corrupt and illegal campaign of Weaponization.”
Scharf joined Trump’s legal team in 2023 and worked on the federal election interference case brought by former Special Counsel Jack Smith. He was part of the team when the case reached the Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled in 2024 that Presidents have broad immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts.
Scharf’s ties to Trump stretch further back. During the President’s first term, Scharf reportedly worked on the confirmation of federal judges, including Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
After Trump returned to office in January 2025, Scharf became White House Staff Secretary, managing documents reaching the President and regularly appearing alongside him during executive-order signings. The role has placed Scharf close to the process through which many of Trump’s major policy decisions have been implemented.
The President highlighted Scharf’s academic background as well, saying that he had been a top student at Princeton University and Harvard Law School.
“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!”
Donald Trump
Scharf’s appointment places an experienced Attorney in one of the most influential legal positions within the White House. The White House counsel advises the President and senior administration officials on legal matters, reviews legislation and executive actions, and helps coordinate the administration’s response to lawsuits and congressional investigations. The White House counsel also plays an important role in assessing the legal implications of presidential actions and policies.
Scharf’s New Role Comes At Sensitive Time
Scharf’s new role will come as the Trump administration continues to face a range of legal and constitutional questions surrounding its policies and executive actions. His previous work representing Trump in court could prove particularly relevant as the administration navigates ongoing legal challenges.
Scharf takes over at a particularly sensitive time. It is said that Democrats have pledged to investigate Trump and his administration if they gain control of Congress in November’s midterm elections.
His appointment also continues a pattern of Trump elevating lawyers who previously represented him. Todd Blanche, who defended Trump in his criminal cases, was confirmed as Attorney General on Saturday.
D John Sauer, who argued Trump’s presidential immunity case before the Supreme Court, was appointed Solicitor General, while former Trump lawyer Emil Bove was initially given a senior Justice Department post before being confirmed to a federal appeals court.
Trump’s announcement also sheds light on the close relationship between the President and Scharf, whom he has previously relied upon in legal matters. By selecting Scharf as White House counsel, Trump is bringing someone he describes as both legally experienced and familiar with his administration’s priorities into a central role.
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