He Once Launched a Grenade for Trump. Now He’ll Be White House Counsel.
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-26 16:44:00 — www.nytimes.com
Donald Trump’s Approach to Legal Counsel: Loyalty Over Legal Limits
As Donald Trump prepares for another term in office, the selection of his legal team and their approach to presidential power are once again under scrutiny. In August 2023, Trump personally reached out to Will Scharf, D. John Sauer, and Michael Talent—three lawyers who would soon become some of the most influential legal figures in his administration. Their rise followed a period when Trump’s legal representation was seen as toxic in many circles, with several previous attorneys facing disbarment for their conduct while representing him.
The trio’s most notable early achievement was securing a Supreme Court victory that granted Trump broad immunity from criminal prosecution. This legal win has positioned them at the center of Trump’s efforts to shield himself from accountability, raising questions about the boundaries of presidential power.
A Pattern of Disregarding Legal Advice
The role of White House counsel has historically been fraught under Trump, who is described as “known to hear what he wants to hear and to disregard the rest.” This pattern has led to repeated clashes between Trump and his legal advisors in the past, particularly when those advisors cautioned against actions that could violate the law or the Constitution.
Will Scharf, soon to be Trump’s White House counsel, is seen by colleagues as someone who does not view standing up to Trump as part of his job. Instead, his approach is to find ways to execute the president’s wishes, rather than to set boundaries. As one friend put it, “His view is that his job is not to tell the president all the things he can’t do, but how he can do things.”
Enabling Aggressive Moves
This attitude has enabled Trump to push forward with some of the most controversial elements of his agenda, including projects and executive actions that have faced legal challenges and court blocks. The current White House counsel, David Warrington, has also been described as working to enable Trump’s most aggressive moves, such as invoking emergency powers and sending troops into cities.
Critics have raised concerns that this dynamic turns legal advisors into “yes men,” rubber-stamping Trump’s initiatives rather than providing independent legal guidance. The rapid approval of a $400 million ballroom on the White House grounds, overseen by Scharf, is cited as an example of this approach.
A History of Clashes and Consequences
Previous White House counsels, such as Donald F. McGahn II and Pat A. Cipollone, have clashed with Trump over issues like the Russia inquiry and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. These advisors warned Trump that certain actions could result in severe legal jeopardy, but Trump’s tendency to dismiss unwelcome advice has remained a hallmark of his leadership style.
Conclusion: Loyalty Over Law
As Trump’s new legal team takes shape, the central question remains whether they will act as independent legal advisors or continue the pattern of enabling Trump’s most extreme impulses. The record so far suggests a preference for loyalty over legal limits, raising ongoing concerns about the rule of law and the proper role of legal counsel in the highest office of the land.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/26/us/politics/will-scharf-white-house-counsel.html