Trump Names Will Scharf as New White House Counsel

Who Is Will Scharf?

Will Scharf is a lawyer who has worked closely with President Donald Trump for several years. Think of him as one of the president’s top legal advisors — someone who helps the president understand the law and make sure the White House follows it.

Here are the key things to know about him:

• He’s a former federal prosecutor — This means he used to work for the government bringing criminal cases against people who broke federal laws.
• He’s represented Trump in court — Including at the U.S. Supreme Court, the highest court in the country.
• He helped pick judges — During Trump’s first term, Scharf worked to get judges confirmed, including Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
• He was Trump’s “staff secretary” — This is a fancy title for the person who manages all the paperwork that crosses the president’s desk. When Trump signs executive orders, Scharf is right there explaining what each one does.
• He led a planning commission — In July 2025, Trump put him in charge of the National Capital Planning Commission, which decides what buildings can be built or renovated in the Washington, D.C. area.

Important Point: Scharf isn’t new to the White House — he’s already been working there as staff secretary. This promotion moves him into a much bigger legal role.

What Does the White House Counsel Do?

The White House Counsel is basically the president’s chief lawyer. But unlike a personal lawyer who defends you in court, the White House Counsel’s job is to protect the presidency itself — the office, not the person.

Here’s what the office handles:

• Legal advice — Answers questions like “Can the president do this?” or “Is this order legal?”
• Works with the Justice Department — The main link between the White House and federal prosecutors.
• Presidential pardons — Helps decide who gets forgiven for federal crimes.
• Judicial appointments — Helps pick and confirm federal judges.
• Reviews legislation — Checks if bills Congress passes are constitutional before the president signs them.
• Defends the administration — Manages lawsuits against the president (in his official role) and handles congressional investigations.

Simple Analogy: If the presidency were a company, the White House Counsel would be the General Counsel — the top in-house lawyer who makes sure the company doesn’t break the law.

Why This Change Matters Now

President Trump announced on Sunday that Scharf will take over as White House Counsel starting September 1. He’s replacing David Warrington, who is leaving to work in the private sector (that means a regular law firm or company, not the government).

Timing Is Critical

This change happens just months before the 2026 midterm elections — when voters choose members of Congress.

• Republicans currently control Congress and want to keep it.
• Democrats have promised that if they win, they’ll launch investigations into Trump and his administration.

Having a trusted, experienced lawyer like Scharf in the top legal spot helps the White House prepare for those possible investigations.

The Ballroom Project Controversy

One reason Scharf is in the news? A $400 million ballroom planned for the White House.

What Happened:

1. Trump wanted a big new ballroom on the east side of the White House.
2. As head of the National Capital Planning Commission, Scharf helped get it approved in April.
3. But a federal appeals court said “Stop!” — They ruled construction must pause because Congress never approved the spending.
4. Trump says he’ll appeal to the Supreme Court — And the project has already started rising above ground.

Callout: This project is controversial because it raises questions about who controls government spending — the president or Congress. The Constitution says Congress holds the “power of the purse.”

Other Lawyers Joining the Administration

Scharf isn’t the only Trump lawyer getting a top job. It’s part of a pattern:

Both were rewarded with high-ranking positions after defending Trump in court.

Summary

• Will Scharf becomes White House Counsel on September 1, replacing David Warrington.
• He’s a former prosecutor and longtime Trump lawyer who’s argued at the Supreme Court.
• The White House Counsel is the president’s top legal advisor — protecting the presidency, not just the man.
• The move comes before the 2026 midterms, when Democrats may investigate the administration if they win Congress.
• Scharf also pushed through a $400M White House ballroom project, now paused by a court ruling that Congress didn’t approve it.
• He joins Todd Blanche (new Attorney General) as another Trump lawyer elevated to a top government role.

FAQ

1. What’s the difference between White House Counsel and the Attorney General?

The White House Counsel advises the president and White House staff on legal matters. The Attorney General runs the entire Justice Department — including the FBI and federal prosecutors — and is the nation’s top law enforcement officer. They work together but have very different jobs.

2. Why does the president need a White House Counsel if he has the Attorney General?

Because the Attorney General must stay independent — especially in criminal investigations. The White House Counsel is the president’s personal legal advisor for official duties, like signing orders or responding to Congress.

3. Can the White House Counsel represent the president in personal lawsuits?

No. The White House Counsel only handles official matters — lawsuits against the president in his role as president. Personal lawsuits (like the hush money case) require private lawyers, like Todd Blanche was.

4. Why did the court stop the ballroom construction?

Because the Constitution gives Congress the power to approve spending. The court said the executive branch (the president’s team) can’t spend $400 million on a new building without Congress saying “yes” first.

5. What happens next with the ballroom?

Trump says he’ll appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Until the Supreme Court decides, construction is officially paused — even though parts of it are already built.