President Donald Trump announced Sunday that former personal lawyer Will Scharf will serve as the new White House Counsel [1].
The appointment places a longtime legal aide in the administration's top legal position during a period of significant personnel shifts in Washington, D.C. [3].
Scharf is scheduled to officially assume the role on Sept. 1, 2026 [1]. He replaces David Warrington, who is leaving the White House to join the private sector [2].
Scharf previously served as a personal attorney to the president and held the position of chair for the National Consumer Protection Council [1]. His transition into the role marks a return to the inner circle of the administration's legal operations.
The White House Counsel provides critical legal advice to the president and manages the legal affairs of the executive office. The role is central to navigating constitutional issues and administrative law, functions that will now fall under Scharf's purview.
Warrington's move to the private sector creates a vacancy in one of the most influential legal posts in the U.S. government. The transition period between now and the start of September will allow for the handover of ongoing legal matters and advisory duties [1].
Officials said they did not provide specific details regarding the nature of Warrington's new private sector role, only that he is leaving the administration [2].
“Will Scharf will serve as the new White House Counsel”
The appointment of Will Scharf represents a preference for established loyalty and familiarity within the White House legal office. By selecting a former personal lawyer, the president ensures that the top legal advisor is someone with a deep understanding of his specific legal history and preferences, potentially streamlining the coordination between the president's personal legal needs and the official duties of the executive branch.
