Trump Names Will Scharf White House Counsel, Effective Sept. 1

Trump elevates staff secretary Will Scharf to White House Counsel on Sept. 1, replacing David Warrington, who exits for the private sector after leading the office and the 2024 campaign's legal team.

First Published: August 9, 2026, 1:43 PM ET

WASHINGTON D.C. — Donald J. Trump named Will Scharf, the White House staff secretary who once argued the president’s cases at the Supreme Court, as the next White House Counsel, effective Sept. 1.

Scharf will hold the title of Assistant to the President and White House Counsel, replacing David Warrington, who is leaving for the private sector, Trump said on truthsocial. Warrington led the counsel’s office and served as the top lawyer for the 2024 presidential campaign before that.

Here is the full post on truthsocial: “It is my Great Honor to announce that, effective September 1st, Will Scharf will become Assistant to the President and White House Counsel, replacing a man, David Warrington, who has done a truly outstanding job as White House Counsel and, before that, for my Presidential Campaign. David will be going on to the Private Sector. Will has done an amazing job in his current role as White House Staff Secretary, and has also served as Chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission. I know Will well! He previously represented me in numerous cases, including at the Supreme Court, during the Biden Administration’s corrupt and illegal campaign of Weaponization. He also previously served as a Federal Prosecutor, worked as an attorney in private practice, clerked for two Federal Appeals Court Judges, and was a top student at both Princeton University, and Harvard Law School. 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” on August 9, 2026 at 5:27 PM ET.

This is Trump’s 10th message released today, and the last post was 13 minutes ago, and it is not part of a thread. On average, Trump produces 18 posts per day since his inauguration on January 20, 2025. The move fits a broader pattern in Trump’s recent messaging, with 18 of his 455 posts over the last 30 days classified as Legal posts.

Scharf has previously represented Trump in legal cases, including before the Supreme Court, and served as a federal prosecutor, according to truthsocial. He also chaired the National Capital Planning Commission, clerked for two federal appeals court judges, and studied at Princeton University and Harvard Law School.

The White House Counsel advises the president on legal questions tied to the office rather than personal matters. The role shapes executive orders, judicial nominations, pardons, and responses to investigations. Placing a longtime personal advocate in the seat centralizes legal decision-making around an attorney Trump described as tough, strong, and smart.

Warrington’s exit hands the private sector a lawyer who steered both the campaign’s legal operation and the counsel’s office through the administration’s early years. His departure clears a path for Scharf, who moves up from staff secretary, the aide who controls the flow of paper reaching the president’s desk.

A date for Scharf’s Senate involvement is not required, because the White House Counsel is a staff appointment that does not need confirmation. The change takes effect Sept. 1, 2026, when Scharf formally assumes the counsel’s duties.

Presidents have long turned to trusted personal lawyers for the counsel’s office, and the results have varied. Richard Nixon’s counsel, John Dean, testified against him during the Watergate hearings in 1973 and later served a reduced sentence for obstruction of justice. Ronald Reagan’s counsel post passed through several hands during the Iran-Contra inquiry of the late 1980s. The office remains one of the most consequential legal perches in Washington, and its occupant’s fortunes often track the president’s own.