US President Donald Trump announced that White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf will become White House Counsel and Assistant to the President.
Scharf is scheduled to officially assume the role on September 1, replacing David Warrington, who is leaving the administration to join the private sector.
Warrington previously served as White House Counsel, a lawyer for the Trump-Vance campaign, and President Trump's personal attorney.
Scharf's Legal Background
Scharf previously served as a federal prosecutor and represented Donald Trump in several legal cases, including matters at the US Supreme Court.
Scharf attended Princeton University and Harvard Law School, and worked as an attorney in private practice while clerking for two US Federal Appeals Court judges.
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!
NCPC and the White House Ballroom Project
Scharf served as the chair of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC).
In his capacity as head of the NCPC, Scharf helped secure approval for a US$400 million White House ballroom project.
A divided US federal appeals court ruled that construction on the ballroom project must stop because Congress had not approved it.
Value of the White House ballroom project approved during Scharf's time at the NCPC.
Political Context and Office Responsibilities
The White House Counsel's Office is responsible for advising on legal and policy questions related to the presidency, managing congressional investigations, handling presidential pardons, and acting as the primary contact for the US Department of Justice.
This leadership change occurs months before the US midterm elections.
Democratic Party members have vowed to pursue investigations into Donald Trump and his administration if they win the November elections.
