Trump named staff secretary Will Scharf as White House counsel, effective Sept. 1.
Why it matters: The move puts a close Trump aide in the White House's top legal role during major litigation and executive disputes. Scharf already helped advance the contested White House ballroom project, which faces a court-ordered construction halt.
- Trump announced the change on Aug. 9, 2026, saying Scharf will replace David Warrington.
- Scharf is currently White House staff secretary and chairs the National Capital Planning Commission.
- He helped advance the White House ballroom project, which AP has reported at $400 million.
- A federal appeals court ruled Aug. 7 that above-ground ballroom construction must stop because Congress has not approved the project.
President Donald Trump said on Aug. 9 that Will Scharf will become White House counsel on Sept. 1, 2026, replacing David Warrington. Trump called Scharf “Tough, Strong, and Smart” and said he “respects the Law.”
Scharf is currently White House staff secretary and also chairs the National Capital Planning Commission, the federal body that reviews construction and major renovation work on government buildings in the Washington area. In that role, he helped advance the White House ballroom project, which has become a flashpoint inside and outside the administration. AP
Earlier AP reporting quoted Scharf saying, “What we deal with is essentially construction, vertical build,” while distinguishing that from demolition and site-preparation work on federal property. He also said, “I think any assertion that this commission should have been consulted earlier than it has been, or it will be, is simply false.” AP
The ballroom fight is not academic. On Aug. 7, 2026, a federal appeals court ordered the administration to stop above-ground construction because Congress has not approved the project. The White House has said the ballroom is privately funded, and Trump has said it is meant to hold far more guests than the East Room can accommodate. AP AP
By the numbers
- Sept. 1, 2026 - Scharf's effective start date as White House counsel
- $400 million - reported cost of the White House ballroom project
- 999 people - later AP-reported proposed ballroom capacity
Yes, but: Scharf's appointment is a personnel shift, not a new legal strategy on its face. The White House has not laid out his agenda once he assumes the counsel role.
What's next: Scharf is set to take over as White House counsel on Sept. 1, 2026.