President Donald Trump appointed longtime aide Will Scharf as the new White House counsel and assistant to the president on Aug. 9 [1].
The appointment places a trusted internal ally in the role of top White House lawyer, a position critical for managing the administration's legal strategy and executive orders.
Scharf will officially assume the role on Sept. 1 [4]. He replaces David Warrington, the outgoing staff secretary who is leaving the administration to enter the private sector [1].
Trump said Scharf is "Tough, Strong, and Smart" and said Scharf will do a great job in the role [2].
Scharf has previously served as a top aide on the ballroom project and as staff secretary [3]. His transition to the counsel position marks a shift in the legal leadership of the West Wing as the administration navigates its current legislative and judicial priorities.
The White House counsel serves as the primary legal advisor to the president, overseeing a wide array of responsibilities from ethics compliance, to the vetting of judicial nominees. By selecting a longtime aide, Trump ensures the role is filled by someone with an intimate understanding of the president's operational style and goals.
“"Will is Tough, Strong, and Smart"”
The appointment of Will Scharf signals a preference for continuity and loyalty within the White House legal office. By promoting a known quantity from within the staff secretary's office, the administration reduces the friction often associated with onboarding external legal counsel, ensuring that the president's legal guidance is aligned with his internal strategic objectives.
