Trump names Will Scharf as new White House counsel

Administration News — 2026-08-09 18:12:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Announces Will Scharf as New White House Counsel

President Trump announced on Truth Social that Will Scharf will become the new White House counsel, replacing David Warrington, who has served since Trump’s inauguration and is leaving for the private sector. Scharf is set to assume the role on September 1.

In his statement, Trump described Scharf as “Tough, Strong,” signaling his confidence in Scharf’s ability to handle the high-profile legal position. The announcement marks a significant change in the administration’s legal team, with Trump personally highlighting Scharf’s qualities as he takes over from Warrington.

Trump’s public endorsement of Scharf’s toughness and strength comes at a time when the White House counsel’s office continues to play a crucial role in navigating legal and political challenges. The transition also underscores Trump’s hands-on approach in selecting key advisors and shaping the direction of his administration.

As the new counsel prepares to step in, all eyes will be on how Scharf manages the responsibilities and whether Trump’s praise translates into effective leadership in the White House’s legal affairs. The president’s direct communication on Truth Social reflects his ongoing strategy of using social media to announce major personnel decisions and shape public perception of his team.

Conclusion

President Trump’s appointment of Will Scharf as White House counsel, accompanied by his public commendation, highlights the importance he places on loyalty and perceived strength in his administration. The move signals another chapter in Trump’s approach to staffing critical roles and maintaining control over his inner circle.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6019523-trump-names-will-scharf-counsel/

Centrist Democrats dismiss Abdul El-Sayed as a freak radical. Do they want to win in 2028 or not? | Nesrine Malik

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-10 00:00:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump Attacks Progressive Senate Nominee Abdul El-Sayed, Calls Him “Full of Shit” and Predicts “Death, Squalor, Poverty”

In the wake of Abdul El-Sayed’s historic victory in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary, Donald Trump has launched a series of disparaging attacks against the progressive candidate. Trump labeled El-Sayed and similar progressive contenders as “full of shit,” and claimed they are “radical commies who will bring nothing but ‘death, squalor, poverty’ and ‘a life of hell’.”

Trump’s Pattern of Disparagement

Trump’s comments fit a longstanding pattern of using inflammatory language to discredit political opponents, particularly those on the progressive left. By branding El-Sayed and others as extreme radicals, Trump seeks to stoke fear among voters and frame progressive policies as dangerous experiments. This rhetoric is not new; Trump has repeatedly used similar language to describe Democratic candidates he opposes, regardless of their actual policy positions or backgrounds.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

There is no evidence to support Trump’s assertion that candidates like El-Sayed would bring “death, squalor, poverty,” or “a life of hell.” In fact, El-Sayed’s campaign has focused on issues such as affordable healthcare, reducing corporate influence in politics, and advocating for working families—positions that are widely supported among many voters, especially in swing states like Michigan.

Trump’s use of the term “radical commies” is also a distortion. While El-Sayed and other progressive Democrats advocate for policies that challenge corporate power and expand social programs, labeling them as communists is inaccurate and misleading. These candidates operate within the framework of American democracy and seek reforms through the legislative process.

The Broader Political Context

Trump’s attacks come at a time when the Democratic Party is experiencing a shift, with more outsider candidates challenging establishment figures and winning key primaries. El-Sayed’s victory, despite being massively outspent by corporate-backed opponents, signals a growing appetite among voters for candidates who are not beholden to special interests.

However, Trump’s rhetoric—amplified by Republican allies and some centrist Democrats—aims to paint these progressive victories as threats to the country’s stability. This narrative is designed to energize Trump’s base and sow doubt among undecided voters.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s response to Abdul El-Sayed’s primary win is emblematic of his broader strategy: attack, exaggerate, and distort the positions of political opponents. While Trump claims that progressive candidates will bring disaster, there is no factual basis for these assertions. Instead, El-Sayed’s victory represents a challenge to entrenched interests and a call for a more inclusive and responsive democracy. As the 2024 election cycle heats up, voters will have to decide whether to accept Trump’s dire warnings or consider the actual records and proposals of the candidates on the ballot.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/10/centrist-democrats-abdul-el-sayed-michigan-2028-zohran-mamdani

Trump Names Will Scharf as White House Counsel

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-09 20:44:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Announces Will Scharf as New White House Counsel, Signals Aggressive Policy Shifts

President Trump announced on Sunday that Will Scharf, his staff secretary and a deeply conservative lawyer, will replace David Warrington as White House counsel. Trump made the announcement on his social media website, stating that Scharf would begin next month. This marks one of the most significant changes in senior staff since Trump returned to Washington, with the president describing Warrington as having “done a truly outstanding job.”

Trump’s Endorsement and Scharf’s Record

Trump emphasized his familiarity with Scharf, noting that Scharf had worked on his personal legal team during the years Trump faced numerous criminal and civil cases out of office. Trump did not specify who would succeed Scharf as staff secretary, a key role in managing the flow of information to the president.

Policy Moves and Legal Battles

Scharf, who previously served as a federal prosecutor and clerked for two federal judges, played a central role in Trump’s Supreme Court arguments in 2024 regarding presidential immunity from prosecution for official acts. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled that presidents have broad immunity for official acts, a decision that nullified Trump’s federal indictments and, according to people close to Trump, emboldened him to expand executive power in his second term.

Last week, Scharf and Trump’s top policy adviser, Stephen Miller, presented two executive orders that Trump signed, aimed at restricting who qualifies for automatic citizenship when born in the United States. These orders followed a Supreme Court decision that struck down a previous Trump executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship, which is protected by the 14th Amendment.

Controversial Actions and Legal Challenges

Trump’s administration has faced criticism for bypassing established processes. For example, Trump had the East Wing of the White House demolished without public announcement, a move critics argue was illegal without congressional approval. A federal appeals court recently ruled that construction of a new ballroom on the site could not proceed without such authorization. Trump has vowed to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court.

Due Process Rights Under Threat

According to colleagues, Scharf raised concerns internally when Trump and Miller considered suspending due process rights for undocumented immigrants, a move that would have contradicted constitutional protections repeatedly upheld by the Supreme Court. Scharf reportedly advised against crossing this line, highlighting the lack of precedent for abandoning such fundamental rights.

Conclusion

Trump’s appointment of Scharf as White House counsel signals a continued push toward aggressive executive actions and legal confrontations. The president’s willingness to test constitutional boundaries—both in policy and in practice—remains a defining feature of his administration, raising ongoing questions about the limits of presidential power and the protection of individual rights.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/09/us/politics/trump-will-scharf-white-house-counsel.html

Trump says there was 'some contractor error' during Reflecting Pool renovation

Administration News — 2026-08-09 20:13:00 — thehill.com

Trump Blames Contractor Error, Continues to Accuse Athlete Despite Dropped Charges

President Trump on Sunday said there was “some contractor error” with the renovations to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, while still accusing a former Olympian canoeist of vandalizing the Washington, D.C., landmark—even though charges against the athlete have been dropped. Trump asserted, “There was substantial damage to the Reflecting Pool, also but, unfortunately, there is no video or….”

Persisting With Discredited Accusations

Despite the legal case against the former Olympian being dismissed, Trump continued to publicly link the athlete to the alleged vandalism. This ongoing accusation stands in contrast to the outcome of the investigation, which resulted in no charges. By maintaining this stance, Trump not only disregarded the legal resolution but also cast public suspicion on an individual cleared by authorities.

Shifting Blame to Contractors

In addition to his claims about vandalism, Trump attributed part of the Reflecting Pool’s issues to “some contractor error.” This statement appears to shift responsibility for the damage away from any single cause, while still highlighting the incident as significant.

Conclusion: A Pattern of Unfounded Claims

Trump’s comments demonstrate a pattern of making public accusations and statements that are not supported by the available evidence or official findings. By continuing to blame an individual after charges were dropped, and by suggesting contractor error without providing further details, Trump’s remarks contribute to confusion and undermine trust in official processes. This episode highlights the importance of fact-based public statements, especially from national leaders.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6019582-contractor-error-reflecting-pool-renovations/

Politics chat: Progressive candidates in primaries, Trump’s influence on midterms : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-08-09 07:12:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Questions Voter Turnout Without His Name on the Ballot, Continues Pressure on Federal Reserve

President Donald Trump has once again raised questions about the loyalty and turnout of his supporters in upcoming elections, stating, “If I don’t run, will those people go out and vote? And that’s the one thing I can’t tell. I’m going to ask them to.” This comment, made in a video posted by Punchbowl News, highlights Trump’s ongoing influence over Republican voter engagement—even when he is not directly on the ballot.

Trump’s Influence on the Federal Reserve

The discussion also turned to Trump’s evolving stance toward the Federal Reserve. During his time in office, Trump was known for repeatedly browbeating then-chairman Jerome Powell, publicly criticizing the Fed’s decisions on interest rates. According to NPR, Trump is not taking the same aggressive approach with Kevin Warsh, his new pick for Fed chairman, but continues to pressure the central bank in other ways.

White House Actions Against Fed Governor

Despite a recent Supreme Court loss, the White House, under Trump’s direction, reportedly told Fed Governor Lisa Cook in a letter that it is considering trying to fire her again from the Central Bank for allegedly committing mortgage fraud. However, there has been no support for these allegations in the courts, and no charges have been filed. The administration’s continued threats to remove Cook, despite a lack of evidence, reflect an ongoing pattern of targeting officials perceived as adversaries.

Conclusion

Trump’s recent statements and actions underscore his continued sway over Republican politics and his willingness to pressure independent institutions like the Federal Reserve. His remarks about voter turnout reveal a persistent focus on personal loyalty, while his administration’s handling of Fed officials raises questions about the politicization of economic oversight. As the midterms approach, Trump’s influence remains a central factor in both party strategy and public debate.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/09/nx-s1-5925106/politics-chat-progressive-candidates-in-primaries-trumps-influence-on-midterms

Trump picks longtime aide Will Scharf as new top White House lawyer

Politics — 2026-08-09 18:19:00 — www.washingtonpost.com

President Donald Trump Announces New White House Counsel, Cites Private Sector Move

President Donald Trump announced Sunday that Will Scharf will become the next top White House lawyer, replacing David Warrington. Trump wrote in a social media post that Warrington is “going on to the Private Sector.” The transition in the office of White House counsel is set to take place on September 1.

Trump’s statement, delivered directly via his social media account, attributes Warrington’s departure to a move into private industry. No additional context or explanation was provided by Trump regarding the reasons for the change or the selection of Scharf as the new counsel.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claim

In this announcement, Trump’s claim that David Warrington is “going on to the Private Sector” is presented as the sole reason for the change. As of the time of Trump’s statement, there is no evidence in the excerpt to contradict this explanation or to suggest any controversy regarding the transition. However, Trump’s history of personnel announcements has sometimes included misleading or incomplete information about the circumstances of departures or appointments. In this case, the excerpt provides no further details to fact-check beyond Trump’s stated rationale.

Conclusion

President Trump’s announcement of Will Scharf as the incoming White House counsel, with David Warrington leaving for the private sector, is the latest in a series of high-profile personnel changes during his administration. While Trump attributes the move to Warrington’s decision to enter private industry, the excerpt does not provide additional context or evidence of false claims or disparagements related to this transition. Readers should note that Trump’s public statements on staff changes have, in the past, sometimes omitted key details, but based solely on the information provided, his claim stands unchallenged in this instance.

Source article

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/08/09/trump-picks-longtime-aide-will-scharf-new-top-white-house-lawyer/

Trump appoints staff secretary Will Scharf as new White House counsel | Donald Trump

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-09 17:28:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump Praises New White House Counsel Amid Legal Turmoil Over $400 Million Ballroom Project

Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Will Scharf, the staff secretary who played a key role in securing approval for the controversial $400 million White House ballroom project, will become White House counsel and assistant to the president effective September 1. Scharf will replace David Warrington, who is departing for the private sector after serving as a personal counsel and campaign lawyer for Trump.

Trump lauded Scharf’s credentials, highlighting his previous experience as a federal prosecutor and his representation of Trump in several high-profile cases, including at the Supreme Court. Trump also noted Scharf’s leadership of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), which approved the construction of the White House ballroom. On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Will is Tough, Strong, and Smart! He also loves our Country, and respects the Law. Will Scharf will do a great job as White House Counsel!”

Ballroom Project Faces Legal Setback

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment, with the White House counsel’s office bracing for increased scrutiny ahead of the midterm elections. Democrats have pledged to investigate Trump and his administration if they gain control of Congress in November.

Trump’s ballroom project, which won final approval from the NCPC in April, hit a major roadblock Friday when a divided federal appeals court ordered construction to stop, citing the lack of congressional approval. Despite this, Trump has vowed to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. The project has already begun to rise above ground on the east side of the White House.

Legal and Political Stakes

The White House counsel’s office plays a central role in advising the president on legal and policy matters, managing presidential pardons, judicial appointments, and legislative reviews. It also coordinates the administration’s response to congressional investigations and lawsuits against the president.

Trump’s decision to elevate Scharf, who has been closely involved in the ballroom project and other legal battles, signals a determination to fight ongoing legal challenges. Trump’s public praise for Scharf and his vow to continue the ballroom project despite the court’s order underscore his combative approach to both legal and political obstacles.

Conclusion

As Trump reshapes his legal team and doubles down on controversial projects, the coming months are likely to see intensified legal and political battles. The outcome of the midterm elections and the fate of the White House ballroom project will test the administration’s ability to navigate mounting investigations and judicial scrutiny. Trump’s statements and actions continue to set the tone for a presidency marked by confrontation and controversy.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/09/trump-will-scharf-white-house-counsel

Senate Bows to Reality, Leaving Trump’s Voting Bill Undone

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-09 15:57:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump’s Demands for Voting Restrictions Falter in Senate as GOP Support Wanes

President Trump’s months-long push for sweeping new voting restrictions ended in defeat early Saturday morning, as the Senate adjourned without passing the legislation he has demanded. Trump had insisted that Republican lawmakers enact election changes he claims are necessary for the party to win the upcoming midterm elections, including a nationwide voter identification requirement, proof of citizenship to register, and severe limits on voting by mail.

Despite Trump’s repeated commands—including his directive to cancel the Senate’s planned five-week recess if the bill did not pass—Republican leaders failed to muster enough support within their own ranks. Even the most ardent advocates of the measure, such as Senator Mike Lee of Utah, admitted there was no path forward, with Lee stating, “We are not in a position right now where we have the wherewithal to pass it right now.”

Throughout the debate, Trump’s posture was one of anger and impatience, as he pressed the Senate to find a way to pass the elections bill. However, as Republican senators faced the reality of insufficient votes and the risk to their party’s majority, they opted for a procedural vote on a diluted version of the bill—an effort widely seen as performative and doomed from the start.

The president’s proposed legislation, known as the SAVE America Act, lacks both a simple majority and the 60 votes required to overcome a Democratic filibuster. Trump’s allies, including Senator Lee, threatened to block adjournment or force a politically difficult vote to keep senators in Washington, but ultimately accepted a voice vote that allowed lawmakers to leave without formally registering their positions.

In a last-ditch attempt to show progress, Republican leaders considered tying the voting restrictions to a $150 billion budget blueprint for the war with Iran, hoping to use the reconciliation process to bypass Democratic opposition. But this plan also collapsed due to insufficient Republican support.

Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, after consulting with Trump, said the president agreed to postpone the effort until September, expressing support for a “better reconciliation bill that will take more time.” With only three weeks left in the legislative calendar before the midterms, the prospects for passing Trump’s desired restrictions appear slim.

Trump’s persistent demands for restrictive voting measures—despite clear evidence of a lack of support even within his own party—underscore his ongoing efforts to reshape election laws in ways that critics argue could disenfranchise eligible voters. The Senate’s failure to act on his agenda highlights the deep divisions within the GOP and the political risks of pursuing such controversial changes in an election year.

Conclusion

President Trump’s insistence on sweeping voting restrictions has run aground in the Senate, exposing a lack of consensus among Republicans and leaving his legislative priorities stalled. As the midterm elections approach, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing efforts to overhaul election laws, even when driven by the party’s most powerful figure.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/08/us/politics/trump-save-america-act-republican-voting-bill-senate.html

Will Darline Graham face the same fate Pamela Evette did in South Carolina?

Politics — 2026-08-09 10:00:00 — www.politico.com

South Carolina Senate Primary Puts Trump’s Endorsement Power to the Test

As South Carolina Republicans prepare for a high-stakes special election Senate primary, the influence of President Donald Trump is once again under scrutiny. Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, leads a crowded field with Trump’s endorsement, but faces a challenging path to consolidating support and avoiding a runoff.

Trump’s involvement in the race has so far followed a familiar pattern: a handful of Truth Social posts backing Graham and a last-minute tele-rally. Beyond these standard moves, Trump has not publicly indicated any additional efforts to boost his preferred candidate. This limited engagement echoes his approach in the recent governor’s primary, where his endorsement of Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette was not enough to secure her victory. Evette, reflecting on her loss, acknowledged she wished Trump had done more to support her campaign.

The upcoming primary is widely seen as a test of whether Trump’s endorsement alone can propel a candidate to victory in a competitive Republican field. The outcome will also reveal how far Trump is willing to go to ensure his picks succeed, especially when their path to nomination is uncertain.

Both Darline Graham and her main rivals, Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, have ties to Trump, with Fry in particular having caught the president’s interest. Trump described Fry as “outstanding” and a “very talented person” in a recent Newsmax interview following Lindsey Graham’s death. The possibility of Trump issuing a “double endorsement” in a runoff, as he did in the governor’s race, remains on the table.

Despite the prominence of Trump’s endorsement in campaign advertising—described by Graham’s team as “the gold standard in Republican politics”—strategists caution that an endorsement “opens a door, it doesn’t walk through it for you.” Graham is working to distinguish herself from both her late brother’s legacy and her competitors, emphasizing domestic issues and her support for Trump’s legislative priorities, such as the SAVE America Act.

The race remains unpredictable, with recent polling showing Graham trailing both Fry and Norman in a straw poll. As the field narrows and the likelihood of a runoff increases, the effectiveness of Trump’s backing will be closely watched—not only in South Carolina, but as a broader measure of his ongoing sway within the Republican Party.

In summary, the South Carolina Senate primary is shaping up as a critical test of Trump’s endorsement power. While his support remains a coveted asset, the outcome will determine whether his influence is enough to secure victory for his chosen candidates in today’s volatile political landscape.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/08/09/south-carolina-senate-darline-graham-trump-01029927

El-Sayed blasts Trump over 'Two VERY DIFFERENT America’s' post

Administration News — 2026-08-09 13:15:00 — thehill.com

Donald Trump Targets Michigan Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed and His Wife in Social Media Post

President Trump took aim at Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and his wife in a recent post on Truth Social. On Saturday, Trump posted a photo featuring himself and first lady Melania Trump alongside another photo of El-Sayed and his wife. The post included text above the two images, drawing a direct comparison between the couples.

The move prompted a response from El-Sayed, who criticized Trump for targeting him and his family. While the content of the text above the images was not detailed in the excerpt, the act of posting the photos and drawing attention to El-Sayed and his wife underscores Trump’s continued use of social media to single out political opponents and their families.

This incident adds to a pattern of Trump using his platform to make personal attacks against political figures, often sparking backlash and debate. The focus on El-Sayed and his wife highlights the personal nature of Trump’s rhetoric and the way he engages with those challenging his political positions.

As the Senate race in Michigan heats up, Trump’s actions are likely to remain under scrutiny, especially when they involve direct attacks on candidates and their families. This episode serves as another example of the president’s willingness to use social media as a tool for political confrontation, raising questions about the tone and tenor of political discourse in the current climate.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/6019203-el-sayed-responds-trump-truth-social/