President Donald Trump has selected Will Scharf to become White House counsel, as he prepares for the upcoming midterm elections. The change will take effect on September 1.
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## Who Is Will Scharf?
Will Scharf currently serves as White House staff secretary. He’s also the chair of the National Capital Planning Commission, a position to which Trump appointed him in July 2025. In that role, Scharf supported the approval of the administration’s controversial $400 million ballroom project at the White House.
Before stepping into these roles, Scharf built experience as a former federal prosecutor. He also participated in Trump’s legal team beginning in October 2023 during election-related litigation brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith.
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## Who He’s Replacing
David Warrington, who has held the position of White House counsel since January 2025, will leave the administration to pursue opportunities in the private sector. Trump praised Warrington for his service, noting his role in the 2024 presidential campaign and contributions as counsel in the current administration.
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## The Announcement & Its Timing
Trump made the announcement public via Truth Social on a Sunday, confirming that Scharf would assume the White House counsel role on September 1. In his statement, he described Scharf as “Tough, Strong, and Smart!” and said that he “loves our Country, and respects the Law.”
This change comes just months before the 2026 midterm elections, a period when Republicans, led by Trump, seek to retain control of Congress. Democrats have countered by vowing to use any oversight and investigations tools available should they gain power.
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## What’s at Stake
### Legal Landscape
As White House counsel, Scharf will become the president’s chief legal adviser, tasked with handling or advising on matters involving executive powers, litigation, congressional oversight, regulations, and Supreme Court interactions. His past work in Trump’s election and immunity cases speaks to his familiarity with high-stakes legal battles.
### Political Context
The timing underscores the significance of midterms in U.S. politics. For Trump, maintaining Republican dominance in both the House and Senate could check Trump’s vulnerability to impeachment and resistance from single-party oversight. Scharf will be an influential voice in shaping how the White House navigates investigations or legal challenges in the months ahead.
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## What Comes Next
– **Transition Date**: The swap becomes official September 1, aligning with the campaign season’s ramp-up.
– **Policy Signals**: Scharf’s appointment signals Trump’s intention to reinforce legal defenses at a time when multiple fronts—including congressional investigations—could challenge the administration.
– **Party Dynamics**: The move may reassure supporters who have sought stronger legal leadership, while critics will be watching closely to see how aggressively Scharf pursues the legal priorities of Trump’s second term.
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