Trump names immunity lawyer Will Scharf as top White House counsel

U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed current White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf as his new White House counsel and assistant to the president, effective September 1.

Scharf takes over from David Warrington, who served as general counsel for Trump's 2024 presidential campaign before becoming White House counsel. Warrington is stepping down from the administration to return to the private sector. Announcing the transition on Truth Social, Trump praised Scharf as "Tough, Strong, and Smart" and commended his legal record.

A former federal prosecutor, Scharf has played a central role in Trump's high-stakes legal battles. He joined Trump's defense team in the federal 2020 election interference case brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith. That litigation reached the Supreme Court, which delivered a landmark 2024 ruling establishing sweeping criminal immunity for presidents conducting official acts.

Scharf's work with Trump dates back to the president's first term, when he assisted the administration with judicial confirmations, including the successful Supreme Court appointments of Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. Outside federal service, Scharf launched an unsuccessful campaign in 2024 for the Republican nomination for Missouri Attorney General.

In July 2025, Trump named Scharf chair of the National Capital Planning Commission, the agency that granted final approval in April for a $400 million White House ballroom project.

As White House counsel, Scharf will serve as the administration's primary legal adviser on presidential policy and official lawsuits. The office coordinates with the Department of Justice, oversees presidential pardons, reviews legislation, manages judicial appointments, and handles congressional inquiries and investigations.