Warrington leaves the administration for private-sector work
Trump announced the appointment Sunday. Scharf will replace Warrington as White House counsel and assistant to the president beginning Sept. 1. Warrington previously served as a personal counsel and a lawyer for Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Trump said Scharf had served as a federal prosecutor and represented him in a number of cases, including before the Supreme Court. Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Will is Tough, Strong, and Smart! He also loves our Country, and respects the Law,” and added, “Will Scharf will do a great job as White House Counsel!”
The White House counsel advises on legal and policy questions related to the presidency. The office is the White House’s primary contact for the Justice Department, handles presidential pardons, works on judicial appointments and reviews legislation.
The office also helps investigate and manage congressional investigations into the administration. It handles lawsuits against the president when he is sued in his official capacity.
Scharf led the National Capital Planning Commission after Trump named him chair in July 2025. The executive branch agency has jurisdiction over construction and major renovations to government buildings in the region.
The commission approved the president’s White House ballroom in April. A divided federal appeals court ruled Friday that construction must stop because Congress had not approved the project. Trump has vowed to appeal to the Supreme Court.
The $400 million project has begun rising above ground on the east side of the White House.
The appointment comes months before the November midterm elections. Democrats have vowed to pursue investigations into Trump and his administration if they win control of Congress in November.