Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Aug 10: US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that Will Scharf, his staff secretary and the Trump-appointed head of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), will become the new White House counsel.
Scharf, who helped secure approval for Trump's USD 400 million White House ballroom project as NCPC chairman, will take over the position from David Warrington on Sept 1. Warrington is leaving the administration to join the private sector.
Trump said Scharf had previously served as a federal prosecutor and represented him in several cases, including before the US Supreme Court.
"Will is Tough, Strong, and Smart! He also loves our Country, and respects the Law," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Will Scharf will do a great job as White House Counsel!"
The change in the White House counsel's office comes at a crucial juncture, just months before the US midterm elections, in which Trump's Republican Party will seek to retain control of Congress.
Democrats have vowed to launch investigations into Trump and his administration if they win control of Congress in November.
The White House counsel advises the president on legal and policy matters related to the presidency. The office serves as the primary White House point of contact with the Justice Department and handles presidential pardons, judicial appointments and reviews of legislation.
The office also assists in investigating and managing congressional inquiries into the administration, as well as lawsuits filed against the president in his official capacity.
Trump appointed Scharf as chairman of the NCPC in July 2025. The executive branch agency has jurisdiction over construction and major renovations of federal government buildings in the Washington region.
Trump's proposed ballroom received final approval from the NCPC in April. However, a divided federal appeals court on Friday ordered construction to stop, ruling that Congress had not approved the project.
Trump has vowed to challenge the ruling before the US Supreme Court.
Construction on the USD 400 million project is already well underway, with the structure beginning to rise above ground on the east side of the White House.