Key facts
- Will Scharf has been named White House counsel and assistant to the president.
- Scharf's appointment is effective September 1.
- Scharf previously served as staff secretary and chair of the National Capital Planning Commission.
- Scharf ran unsuccessfully for Missouri attorney general in 2024.
- He was an assistant U.S. attorney from 2020 to 2022.
President Donald Trump announced that Will Scharf will assume the role of White House counsel and assistant to the president, effective September 1. In his previous role as staff secretary, Scharf oversaw administrative work and the executive order signing process. He also chairs the National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees federal development projects in Washington. Scharf previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney from 2020 to 2022 and made an unsuccessful bid for Missouri attorney general in 2024.