Kenneth Glad
The administration is preparing another change among its senior legal officials. The transition will place a longtime presidential ally in a central advisory role.
President Donald Trump has named Will Scharf as his next White House counsel, with the transition scheduled for September 1.
AP reported that Scharf, 40, currently serves as White House staff secretary and chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission. A former federal prosecutor, he also represented Trump in legal proceedings before joining the administration.
According to the White House, the counsel’s office provides legal advice to the president, White House staff and other parts of the Executive Office of the President. Its work includes questions involving presidential actions, legislation and litigation.
Warrington prepares to leave government
David Warrington, who currently holds the counsel position, will leave for the private sector. Trump did not provide a reason for his departure.
“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 Campaign,” Trump wrote. “David will be going on to the Private Sector.”
Warrington previously served as Trump’s personal attorney before becoming one of the administration’s senior legal advisers.
The New York Times reported that Warrington advised the president on legal questions connected to several major second-term policies, including the use of executive authority.
The change comes just months before the 2026 midterm elections, with control of Congress at stake. Trump did not suggest the timing was politically motivated, but the new counsel will take over as the administration heads into a busy election period.
Scharf already holds prominent roles
Scharf’s appointment moves another former Trump attorney into one of the White House’s most important legal positions.
He also leads the National Capital Planning Commission, the federal body involved in reviewing major development proposals in Washington.
AP reported that the commission’s responsibilities have connected Scharf to consideration of the administration’s planned White House ballroom project.
Before entering the White House, Scharf sought the Republican nomination for Missouri attorney general in 2024 but was unsuccessful.
Trump praised Scharf’s legal background when announcing the appointment and noted his previous work representing him in court.
Sources: AP, The New York Times, White House, Truth Social
