Trump taps personal defense attorney Will Scharf to serve in key White House position

Source: USA Today

Published 5:00 p.m. ET Nov. 16, 2024 | Updated 5:01 p.m. ET Nov. 16, 2024


WASHINGTON – President-elect Donald Trump has appointed one of his defense lawyers to a White House position, the fourth personal attorney to have landed a prominent job in the incoming Republican administration.

Will Scharf, who played a key role in defending Trump in the federal criminal case tied to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, will serve as assistant to the president and White House staff secretary. “Will is a highly skilled attorney who will be a crucial part of my White House team,” Trump said.

Scharf, from Missouri, was part of the Trump defense team fighting Special Counsel Jack Smith's federal prosecution for trying to steal the 2020 election and obstructing Congress from counting Electoral College votes on Jan. 6, 2021. He helped argue that Trump should be shielded from prosecution because he had immunity as a sitting president of the United States during the incidents underlying the Justice Department's criminal case.

The Supreme Court in July agreed with Trump that “official” acts taken by a president are protected by immunity, but not steps taken as a candidate.


Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/16/trump-attorney-will-scharf-white-house/76366556007/