US President Donald Trump has appointed White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf as the next White House counsel, elevating him to one of the most senior legal positions in the administration.

Trump announced the appointment on Sunday, saying Scharf would assume the position of White House counsel and assistant to the president effective September 1.

Scharf currently serves as White House staff secretary, overseeing administrative operations for the Oval Office. In his new role, he will become the administration’s principal legal adviser and will be responsible for providing legal guidance to the president and senior White House officials.

Scharf has also chaired the National Capital Planning Commission, which approved plans for the construction of Trump’s proposed White House ballroom.

Trump thanked the outgoing counsel, David Warrington, who is leaving the administration to return to the private sector.

Warrington previously served as Trump’s personal lawyer and was also involved as legal counsel for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.

The appointment places Scharf at the centre of the administration’s legal and constitutional affairs as the Trump administration continues to face a number of legal challenges involving presidential policies and executive actions.