Donald Trump announced on Sunday, August 9, 2026, that Will Scharf, the current staff secretary who helped secure approval for the $400 million White House ballroom project, will become White House counsel and assistant to the president effective September 1, 2026. Scharf will replace David Warrington, who is leaving the administration to join the private sector. Warrington previously served as personal counsel and lawyer for Trump’s 2024 campaign.

Trump highlighted Scharf’s background as a former federal prosecutor and noted that Scharf has represented him in several cases, including at the Supreme Court. Scharf also led the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), the executive branch agency responsible for overseeing construction and major renovations to government buildings in the Washington, D.C. area. The NCPC approved the president’s White House ballroom construction, which won final approval in April 2026, although a divided federal appeals court recently ruled that construction must stop because Congress had not approved the project.

On Truth Social, Trump praised Scharf, writing, “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!”

This change in the White House counsel’s office comes just months before the midterm elections, where Trump’s Republican party aims to retain control of Congress amid Democratic promises to investigate Trump and his administration if they win in November.

Trump had appointed Scharf as chair of the National Capital Planning Commission in July 2025.

Sources