Kathmandu— President Donald Trump has named Will Scharf, currently White House Staff Secretary, as his next White House counsel, effective September 1. Scharf will replace David Warrington, who is leaving for the private sector, and assume the role of top lawyer for the administration during a critical period leading up to the midterm elections. A longtime legal ally of Trump, Scharf previously worked on the presidential immunity case and oversaw approval of the controversial White House ballroom project.

Legal Background and Experience

Scharf joined Trump’s legal team in 2023, contributing to the defense against federal election interference charges brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith. He was present when the case reached the Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled in favor of broad presidential immunity for official acts. Prior to this, Scharf assisted with the confirmations of Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett during Trump’s first term.

White House Staff Secretary Role

Since January 2025, Scharf has served as White House staff secretary, a position responsible for managing documents reaching the president and regularly appearing alongside him at executive order signings. This role placed him at the center of implementing many of Trump’s major policy decisions.

Controversy Surrounding Ballroom Project

Scharf also played a key role in the approval of Trump's $400 million White House ballroom project, planned for the site of the demolished East Wing. As chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission, he approved the project, which is currently facing legal challenges; a federal appeals court recently upheld an injunction pausing aboveground construction, ruling that congressional approval is required for such a significant alteration to the White House. Trump intends to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court.

Pattern of Appointing Former Legal Representatives

Scharf’s appointment continues a trend of Trump elevating lawyers who have previously represented him personally. Todd Blanche, who defended Trump in criminal cases, was recently confirmed as attorney general, while D John Sauer, who argued the presidential immunity case before the Supreme Court, has been appointed solicitor general. Emil Bove, another former Trump lawyer, now holds a position on the federal appeals court.

Scharf assumes his new role at a sensitive time, with Democrats pledging potential investigations should they gain control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.