Trump makes major senior staff shake-up with weeks to midterm elections

By CHARLIE SPIERING, US POLITICAL REPORTER Published: 16:19, 10 August 2026 | Updated: 16:23, 10 August 2026 President Donald Trump is shaking up his senior-level staff with just weeks to go until the midterm elections could force a major power shake-up in Washington, DC. He named his staff secretary, Will Scharf, to the top job of White House counsel, replacing his lawyer David Warrington. 'I know Will well!' Trump wrote on social media on Saturday, praising him as 'tough, strong, and smart.' Warrington is expected to leave the White House and enter the private sector, Trump announced. Trump praised Scharf's work representing him in personal legal cases, including the Supreme Court case brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith charging the President with election interference. 'Will Scharf will do a great job as White House Counsel!' he added. As staff secretary, Scharf was tasked with managing legal memos, documents, and statements that require the President's attention. Trump has taken a personal liking to Scharf, whose unassuming demeanor and professionalism fit the President's vision of 'a star,' and asked him to appear on camera during public signing ceremonies to announce his executive orders. Staff Secretary Will Scharf is sometimes seen on camera detailing President Donald Trump's executive orders  Scharf, 40, was appointed by Trump to serve as his White House counsel Scharf's new role puts him squarely between the President and increased legal scrutiny, if Democrats take the House majority and use their power to investigate Trump. Scharf, recently on the #2 slot of the Daily Mail power list, was also put on the National Capital Planning Commission to help make a legal case to fast-track the President's renovations at the White House. Scharf also voiced hesitation about President Trump suspending habeas rights for unauthorized immigrants, drafting a memo on the subject warning that it would likely face significant legal scrutiny. In September, Scharf was caught on a hot mic joking that 'our brand is crisis,' referring to a Sandra Bullock comedy about political campaign strategists. Prior to his service in Trump's second term, Scharf served on his personal legal team and helped lead on the Supreme Court case brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith.  Scharf was appointed by President Trump to the National Capital Planning Commission to help push through major renovations in Washington, DC Scharf grins as as White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller speaks in the White House Scharf is a member of the 'Missouri Mafia,' an unofficial nickname of conservative legal minds from the state now serving in Washington, DC.  The informal group from the state includes Senators Josh Hawley, Eric Schmidt, Solicitor General John Sauer, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Jesus Osete, and Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Andrew Bailey. Scharf also served as an assistant US attorney in Missouri before running an unsuccessful campaign for Missouri attorney general in 2024.