Will Scharf Appointed as New White House Counsel
In a strategic move just before the upcoming midterm elections, President Donald Trump has named Will Scharf as his new White House counsel. Scharf, known for his previous role as staff secretary and chair of the National Capital Planning Commission, will step into the position on September 1, succeeding David Warrington, who is transitioning to the private sector.
President Trump expressed confidence in Scharf’s capabilities, highlighting his past experiences as a federal prosecutor and his involvement in significant legal cases, including those reaching the Supreme Court. “Will is Tough, Strong, and Smart! He also loves our Country, and respects the Law,” Trump stated on Truth Social. “Will Scharf will do a great job as White House Counsel!”
The timing of this appointment is crucial as it coincides with the midterm elections, where the Republican Party aims to maintain control of Congress. The White House counsel plays a pivotal role in advising the president on legal and policy matters, serving as a key liaison with the Justice Department, overseeing presidential pardons, judicial appointments, and managing legislative reviews and congressional investigations.
During Trump’s first term, Scharf played an instrumental role in securing confirmations for several judges, including Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. More recently, he was part of Trump’s legal team in the election interference case led by special counsel Jack Smith, which ended with a Supreme Court decision affirming presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts.
Scharf joins a group of Trump’s lawyers who have been appointed to significant positions in the administration, following examples like Todd Blanche, who was recently confirmed as attorney general after representing Trump in the hush money trial in New York.
As staff secretary, Scharf managed the flow of documents to the president, offering insights and commentary during executive order signings. His leadership at the National Capital Planning Commission saw the advancement of the $400 million ballroom project at the White House, although recent court decisions have temporarily halted construction pending appeal.
The ballroom project, which had started to take shape on the east side of the White House, was approved by the NCPC in April. However, a federal appeals court recently ruled against continuing the project without Congressional approval, a decision Trump plans to challenge in the U.S. Supreme Court.
