Trump Names Will Scharf as New White House Counsel
President Donald Trump announced that his new White House counsel will be Will Scharf, the staff secretary who previously served as a federal prosecutor and represented him in several cases. Scharf will replace David Warrington, who is leaving the administration to join the private sector, starting September 1. The White House counsel’s office advises on legal and policy questions related to the presidency and handles presidential pardons, judicial appointments, and reviews legislation.
Trump praised Scharf, saying he is “Tough, Strong, and Smart” and will do a great job as White House Counsel. Scharf’s appointment comes at a critical juncture, just months ahead of the midterm elections, where Trump’s Republican Party will be fighting to hold on to control of Congress. The White House counsel’s office will play a key role in handling congressional investigations into the administration and lawsuits against the president.
Scharf previously served as the chair of the National Capital Planning Commission, where he helped secure approval for the $400 million ballroom project. However, a divided federal appeals court recently ruled that construction on the project must stop because Congress had not approved it. Trump has vowed to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
This development comes as Democrats have vowed to pursue investigations into Trump and his administration if they are successful in November. The White House counsel’s office will be crucial in advising on legal and policy questions related to these investigations.
The appointment of Scharf as White House counsel is the latest shakeup in the White House counsel’s office, which has seen several changes in recent months. Scharf’s experience as a federal prosecutor and his representation of Trump in several cases make him a strong candidate for the role.
In a similar move last year, Trump named Scharf as chair of the National Capital Planning Commission, the executive branch agency with jurisdiction over construction and major renovations to government buildings in the region.
