President Donald Trump announced that White House staff secretary Will Scharf will become the new White House counsel [1, 2, 3].
The appointment marks a shift in the administration's top legal leadership as the president replaces a key advisor during a critical period of governance.
Scharf will officially assume the role on Sept. 1, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. He replaces David Warrington, who is leaving the administration to join the private sector [2, 4].
As staff secretary, Scharf has already played a significant role in the operational management of the White House. His previous work includes helping to secure approval for a $400 million ballroom project [7].
The White House counsel serves as the president's primary legal advisor, overseeing a wide range of legal matters, including executive orders and interactions with other government branches. The transition from Warrington to Scharf comes as the administration continues to navigate complex legal landscapes in Washington, D.C. [1, 3].
Scharf's move from staff secretary to counsel suggests a consolidation of trust in an official already familiar with the internal workflows of the executive office. The transition period will last until the start of next month when the appointment becomes effective [1, 2, 3].
“Will Scharf will replace David Warrington as White House counsel”
The appointment of Will Scharf indicates a preference for internal promotion and continuity within the White House. By moving the staff secretary into the counsel role, the administration minimizes the learning curve for a position that requires deep integration with the president's daily operations and legal strategy.
