Scharf will take over on September 1, replacing David Warrington. Trump praised Scharf as “tough, strong and smart,” pointing to his past work as a federal prosecutor and as a member of Trump’s legal team.
Scharf previously represented Trump in major legal battles, including the federal election case that reached the Supreme Court. He also worked during Trump’s first term on confirming judges, including Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
As White House counsel, Scharf will advise the president on legal and policy issues, work closely with the Justice Department, review legislation and help manage lawsuits and congressional investigations involving the administration.
The appointment comes at a high-stakes moment, with Republicans fighting to keep control of Congress in the midterms and Democrats promising new investigations if they win. Scharf will now be one of the key lawyers helping guide the White House through those battles.