Trump Appoints Will Scharf as White House Counsel Ahead of Midterms
The Story
President Donald Trump announced that Will Scharf will become White House counsel, effective September 1. Scharf, currently the White House staff secretary, previously served as Trump's lawyer in an election obstruction case. The appointment comes ahead of the midterm elections, when Democrats may regain control of Congress and pursue investigations into the Trump administration. A White House official told Zeteo that the administration has a plan to epically stonewall Democratic inquiries into issues such as the handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related files, the war against Iran, the president's business dealings, and the Department of Government Efficiency. House Democrats have outlined plans for subpoenas and probes to hold Trump to account. Scharf's new role could place him at the center of potential subpoena fights and testimony disputes. The White House has reportedly accepted a midterm loss for Republicans as a likely outcome. In separate reporting, the White House posted a social media video that transformed the Resolute Desk into the Iron Throne from "Game of Thrones" to declare order restored.
The Spread
What they agree on
- President Donald Trump announced Will Scharf will become White House counsel.
- Will Scharf currently serves as White House staff secretary.
- Scharf's appointment is effective September 1.
- Democrats have stated intentions to pursue investigations into the Trump administration if they gain control of Congress after the midterms.
Where they split
- Some outlets emphasize Scharf's background as a former lawyer for Trump in an election obstruction case, while others focus on his current role as staff secretary.
- Coverage varies in the prominence given to the White House's reported plan to "epically stonewall" Democratic investigations.
- Several articles include details about a White House social media video referencing "Game of Thrones," while others omit this information.