Will Scharf named White House counsel, replacing David Warrington

President Donald Trump announced on August 9, 2026, that White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf will become the new White House counsel, effective September 1, 2026. Scharf replaces David Warrington, a former campaign and personal attorney who is returning to the private sector. The transition comes ahead of the midterm elections as the administration prepares for potential congressional investigations.

Will Scharf White House counsel

• ▪Will Scharf will assume the White House counsel role ahead of the upcoming midterm elections
• ▪Will Scharf previously served as the White House Staff Secretary under President Donald Trump
• ▪Will Scharf's appointment as White House counsel comes as the administration prepares for potential congressional investigations
• ▪President Donald Trump announced on August 9, 2026, that Will Scharf will become Assistant to the President and White House Counsel

David Warrington departure

• ▪David Warrington served as a personal attorney for Donald Trump and worked for the Trump campaign before becoming White House counsel after the president's second inauguration
• ▪David Warrington is leaving his post as White House counsel to return to the private sector

September 1 effective date

• ▪President Donald Trump announced the September 1, 2026, transition date in a social media post on Sunday, August 9, 2026
• ▪The transition of the White House counsel role from David Warrington to Will Scharf is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2026