Trump Taps Jewish Attorney Will Scharf as Next White House Counsel

President Donald Trump announced Sunday that Will Scharf, the White House Staff Secretary, will assume the role of White House Counsel effective September 1, succeeding David Warrington, who is departing for the private sector.

"It is my Great Honor to announce that, effective September 1st, Will Scharf will become Assistant to the President and White House Counsel, replacing a man, David Warrington, who has done a truly outstanding job as White House Counsel and, before that, for my Presidential Campaign. David will be going on to the Private Sector," Trump stated.

Trump commended Scharf's work as staff secretary and detailed his legal credentials. "Will has done an amazing job in his current role as White House Staff Secretary, and has also served as Chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission. I know Will well! He previously represented me in numerous cases, including at the Supreme Court, during the Biden Administration's corrupt and illegal campaign of Weaponization. He also previously served as a Federal Prosecutor, worked as an attorney in private practice, clerked for two Federal Appeals Court Judges, and was a top student at both Princeton University, and Harvard Law School," The President said.

Trump concluded, "Will is Tough, Strong, and Smart! He also loves our Country, and respects the Law. Will Scharf will do a great job as White House Counsel!"

Scharf was born into a Jewish family in New York City in 1986 in a Modern Orthodox home. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Princeton University in 2008, where he was active with Chabad and the university's Center for Jewish Life, serving as head of the Chabad Student Board. He received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 2011.

Trump selected Scharf as White House staff secretary on November 16, 2024. His responsibilities expanded in July 2025 when Trump appointed him chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission. In his new role, Scharf will serve as one of the president's principal legal advisers.