President Donald Trump has announced that Will Scharf, the current staff secretary and former federal prosecutor, will take over as the new White House counsel from September 1. Scharf previously represented Trump in various cases, including at the Supreme Court. This move comes as David Warrington prepares to leave the administration for the private sector. The appointment is significant given that the midterm elections are just months away, with potential Democratic investigations into Trump and his administration looming. As White House counsel, Scharf will provide legal and policy advice regarding the presidency, manage presidential pardons, handle judicial appointments, review legislation, and oversee responses to congressional investigations and lawsuits against the president. During Trump's first term, Scharf played a crucial role in securing confirmations for judges and justices, including U.S. Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. In 2023, he joined Trump's legal team during the election interference case brought by special counsel Jack Smith, with the case later reaching the Supreme Court. Scharf is among several lawyers who have been appointed to positions in Trump's second administration. The appointment follows Scharf's role as chair of the National Capital Planning Commission, which gave final approval for Trump's $400 million ballroom project. However, a divided federal appeals court has ordered a halt to construction on the project due to lack of congressional approval. Trump has vowed to appeal this decision at the U.S. Supreme Court, with construction already well underway near the White House.