10 Aug 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed White House staff secretary Will Scharf as the new White House counsel, replacing David Warrington in the senior legal advisory role.
The appointment brings a change in the White House legal team as the Trump administration continues to navigate major policy, executive and legal challenges.
Will Scharf Takes Key Legal Role
Scharf, who has served as Trump’s staff secretary, will move into the White House counsel position, where he will advise the president on legal and constitutional matters.
The role also involves reviewing executive actions, presidential decisions and other legal issues facing the administration.
David Warrington Replaced
Scharf replaces David Warrington, who had served as White House counsel.
The change represents a significant reshuffle within Trump’s senior team and could influence how the administration approaches legal disputes and executive actions.
Scharf’s Background
Before joining the White House, Scharf worked as a lawyer and was involved in Republican politics.
His experience in legal and government affairs is expected to be relevant as he takes on the administration’s top in-house legal advisory position.
A Crucial Role in Trump’s Administration
The White House counsel is one of the president’s key advisers, particularly on matters involving executive authority, constitutional questions and potential legal challenges to administration policies.
Scharf’s appointment comes as Trump’s administration faces continued legal and political scrutiny.