US President Donald Trump has named Will Scharf, a former federal prosecutor and one of his prominent legal defenders, as the next White House counsel.

Scharf will assume the position on September 1, replacing David Warrington, who is leaving the administration for the private sector. He currently serves as White House staff secretary and as chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission.

The appointment places a trusted Trump ally at the centre of the administration’s legal strategy just months before the United States holds crucial midterm elections.

Lawyer in Trump’s Presidential-Immunity Case

Scharf was a member of Trump’s legal team in several high-profile cases before returning to government. Most notably, he was involved in the Supreme Court proceedings concerning the extent of a former president’s immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts.

The case produced a major ruling on presidential power and shaped subsequent legal proceedings involving Trump. Scharf’s role in that litigation helped raise his profile among conservative lawyers and within Trump’s political circle.

He previously worked as a federal prosecutor and was involved in efforts to secure the confirmation of conservative judicial nominees during Trump’s first term, including Supreme Court justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.

What Does the White House Counsel Do?

The White House counsel advises the president and the executive office on legal and constitutional questions. The office reviews executive orders and legislation, coordinates responses to congressional investigations and helps manage lawsuits involving the administration.

Unlike the president’s personal attorney, the White House counsel formally represents the office of the presidency. The position can therefore become particularly important when an administration faces court challenges, congressional scrutiny or disputes over executive authority.

Scharf will take over at a politically sensitive moment. Republicans are trying to retain control of Congress in the November midterm elections, while Democrats have promised aggressive investigations if they gain power.

From White House Operations to Legal Strategy

As staff secretary, Scharf has been responsible for managing documents and information reaching the president. He has also chaired the National Capital Planning Commission, which became involved in reviewing Trump’s plan for a large new White House ballroom.

The proposed ballroom has generated legal and political controversy, with preservationists questioning whether the project could proceed without congressional authorisation. A federal appeals court has restricted parts of the construction, and Trump has indicated that the dispute could reach the Supreme Court.

Trump Continues to Elevate Loyal Legal Allies

Scharf’s elevation continues a pattern of Trump placing lawyers who represented or strongly defended him in senior administration positions.

Trump praised Scharf’s legal ability while announcing the appointment. Warrington, the outgoing counsel, had also previously worked as Trump’s personal lawyer and on his 2024 election campaign.

The transition will be watched closely because the White House legal office is likely to play a central role in disputes involving executive power, election policy and congressional oversight during the second half of Trump’s term.