President Trump said Sunday he will promote his staff secretary, Will Scharf, to the role of White House counsel.
Mr. Scharf will replace David Warrington, who was appointed counsel at the start of Mr. Trump’s second term and is departing for 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!” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The White House counsel is an important position that advises the president on legal issues involving the executive himself and the administration, plus topics such as executive orders, legislation, veto powers, ethics and conflicts of interest. The position does not require Senate confirmation.
Anyone who follows the White House closely will recognize Mr. Scharf from Oval Office events in which Mr. Trump signs executive orders.
Mr. Scharf serves as an emcee of sorts during these events, explaining each order and its importance before Mr. Trump signs them at his desk.
Mr. Scharf served as Mr. Trump’s personal attorney during investigations into the president’s actions after the 2020 election, and he once worked as a federal prosecutor.
Mr. Trump said Mr. Scharf “also 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!” Mr. Trump wrote.
Mr. Warrington had represented two of Mr. Trump’s top backers, Sebastian Gorka and Michael Flynn, when they faced legal issues, and he served as Mr. Trump’s personal attorney and general counsel for his 2024 campaign.
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