Will Scharf Replaces David Warrington as Trump Appoints New White House Counsel
Donald Trump announced on August 9, 2026, that staff secretary Will Scharf will replace David Warrington as White House counsel and assistant to the president, effective September 1. According to reporting from The Guardian, the personnel shakeup occurs just months before the midterm elections as the administration prepares for potential congressional investigations.
Transition Details and Leadership Changes in the Counsel’s Office
The incoming White House counsel, Will Scharf, steps into the role following a tenure as staff secretary where he helped secure approval for the $400m White House ballroom project. According to The Guardian, Scharf will officially take over on September 1 from David Warrington, who is leaving the administration to return to the private sector. Warrington previously served as a personal counsel and lawyer for Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Trump announced the appointment on Truth Social, writing, “Will is Tough, Strong, and Smart! He also loves our Country, and respects the Law.” He added that Scharf will do a great job in his new post.
Legal Background and Prior Administration Roles
Before his appointment as White House counsel, Scharf built a notable legal and administrative resume. According to The Guardian, he previously served as a federal prosecutor and represented Trump in several legal cases, including matters at the United States Supreme Court.
In July 2025, Trump named Scharf as chair of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). In that capacity, Scharf led the executive branch agency that holds jurisdiction over construction and major renovations to government buildings in the region. Under his leadership, the NCPC granted final approval for the controversial $400m White House ballroom project in April.
However, the infrastructure project faces ongoing legal hurdles. According to The Guardian, a divided federal appeals court ruled on August 7, 2026, that construction on the ballroom must stop because Congress did not approve it. Trump has vowed to appeal that ruling to the Supreme Court, even as construction continues to rise above ground on the east side of the White House complex.
Implications for the Midterm Elections and Congressional Oversight
The leadership transition arrives at a critical political and legal juncture. With the midterm elections looming just months away, the Republican Party faces a difficult fight to retain control of Congress. Opposition Democrats have already signaled intentions to launch aggressive investigations into Trump and his administration should they regain legislative majorities.
Navigating these high-stakes inquiries falls squarely within the mandate of the White House counsel’s office. As the primary liaison to the Department of Justice, the counsel manages presidential pardons, coordinates judicial appointments, reviews legislation, and oversees responses to congressional subpoenas and official lawsuits.