President Donald Trump announced a significant change in his senior staff, appointing Will Scharf as White House Counsel just weeks before the midterm elections.
Trump, who praised Scharf as "tough, strong, and smart" on social media, stated that his predecessor, David Warrington, is expected to transition to the private sector. Scharf, 40, previously served as Staff Secretary, managing legal memos, documents, and statements requiring the President's attention. He also represented Trump in personal legal cases, including the Supreme Court case brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith concerning election interference.
In his new role, Scharf will be positioned to advise the President on legal matters, particularly as Democrats may seek to investigate Trump if they gain a House majority. Scharf has also been involved in policy discussions, having been appointed to the National Capital Planning Commission to facilitate President Trump's White House renovation projects.
During his tenure as Staff Secretary, Scharf was known for his professional demeanor and was sometimes featured on camera during executive order signing ceremonies. He also previously served on Trump's personal legal team and played a role in the Supreme Court case involving Special Counsel Jack Smith. Scharf has been noted as a member of the "Missouri Mafia," an informal group of conservative legal professionals from Missouri serving in Washington.
Scharf has previously voiced concerns about the legal implications of certain policy decisions, including a memo he drafted regarding the potential suspension of habeas rights for unauthorized immigrants, warning of significant legal scrutiny. He also served as an assistant U.S. attorney in Missouri and ran unsuccessfully for Missouri attorney general in 2024. The appointment occurs as the administration prepares for the upcoming midterm elections, which could reshape the political landscape in Washington.