WASHINGTON, D.C. — US President Donald Trump announced that Will Scharf will become White House counsel and assistant to the president effective September 1. The appointment replaces David Warrington, who is moving to the private sector.

David Warrington is the current White House counsel and has served in the role since 2025. He formerly served as personal counsel and a lawyer for Donald Trump's 2024 campaign.

Will Scharf currently serves as White House staff secretary, a position he has held since 2025. His background includes academic distinction, having been a top student at Princeton University and Harvard Law School. Scharf is Jewish.

Trump praised the incoming counsel in a statement regarding the transition. "Will is Tough, Strong, and Smart! He also loves our Country, and respects the Law. Will Scharf will do a great job as White House Counsel!" Trump said.

Scharf has previously held other roles within the administration's orbit. On July 9, 2025, President Donald Trump appointed William Scharf as the at-large Commissioner to the National Capital Planning Commission and named him Chair. In that capacity, Scharf led the National Capital Planning Commission.

The commission recently undertook significant planning actions. The National Capital Planning Commission approved the construction of the White House ballroom. That the National Capital Planning Commission voted Thursday to approve President Donald Trump's plans to build a new White House ballroom.

This personnel change marks a shift in the legal leadership advising the president. Will Scharf moves from the role of staff secretary, where he managed document flow and internal communications since 2025, to the chief legal advisor position. The transition occurs as David Warrington departs for the private sector after serving as counsel since 2025.

Scharf's recent involvement with the National Capital Planning Commission shows his expanding portfolio within the administration before this appointment. His chairmanship coincided with the approval of major infrastructure projects, including the White House ballroom. The move consolidates his position as a key operative in the White House, transitioning from administrative coordination to direct legal counsel.

Why It Matters

The appointment shifts legal leadership from David Warrington, a former campaign lawyer, to Will Scharf, who moves from managing internal communications as staff secretary. Scharf's recent role leading the National Capital Planning Commission during the approval of the White House ballroom project shows his expanding influence within the administration before assuming the chief legal advisor position.