Trump Appoints New White House Counsel, Will Scharf, Who Oversaw Approval for His $400 Million Ballroom Project

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Will Scharf will be appointed as the new White House Counsel, a pivotal legal advisor to the president, effective September 1. Scharf will succeed David Warrington, who is transitioning to the private sector. Trump lauded Scharf on the social media platform Truth Social, describing him as "Tough, Strong, and Smart!" and emphasizing his patriotism and respect for the law, predicting he "will do a great job as White House Counsel!".

Scharf's appointment comes at a critical juncture for the Trump administration, just months before the midterm elections. The Republican Party is striving to retain control of Congress, while Democrats have signaled their intent to pursue investigations into Trump and his administration should they gain a majority. The White House Counsel's office is central to navigating these challenges. Its responsibilities include advising the president on a wide range of legal and policy matters, acting as the primary liaison with the Department of Justice, managing presidential pardons, overseeing judicial appointments, and reviewing legislation. Furthermore, the office plays a crucial role in managing congressional investigations targeting the administration and defending the president against lawsuits filed in his official capacity.

A significant aspect of Scharf's prior service highlighted by the announcement is his role as the Trump-appointed head of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). He was named chair of this executive branch agency in July 2025. The NCPC holds jurisdiction over construction and major renovations of government buildings and projects within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Under Scharf's leadership, the NCPC granted final approval for a $400 million ballroom project associated with President Trump in April. This project, however, has recently encountered significant legal opposition. On Friday, a divided federal appeals court ruled that construction on the ballroom must be halted, citing a lack of congressional approval. President Trump has publicly vowed to appeal this decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. Despite the legal injunction, construction on the ballroom project has already begun and is visibly progressing.

Scharf's background also includes experience as a federal prosecutor and a history of representing President Trump in various legal cases, including at the Supreme Court. This appointment signifies a strategic shift in the White House's legal leadership as it prepares for intense political scrutiny and ongoing legal battles.