As former President Donald Trump returns to office, one name has emerged prominently in his inner circle—Will Scharf. A seasoned lawyer and former prosecutor, Scharf now plays a crucial role as the White House Staff Secretary. His position involves managing the flow of documents and decisions reaching Trump’s desk, making him one of the most influential yet lesser-known figures in the administration.
Who is Will Scharf?
Will Scharf is a legal expert with a strong background in conservative politics. Before stepping into his role as Staff Secretary, he was a part of Trump’s legal team, defending the former president in high-profile cases. Scharf has also worked as a policy director and political strategist, contributing to Republican campaigns and judicial confirmations.
The Role of White House Staff Secretary
The Staff Secretary is a vital but often overlooked position in the White House. It functions as the “air traffic control” for documents moving to and from the President. This role ensures that policies, memos, and executive orders are reviewed, approved, and properly executed.
Scharf’s responsibilities include:
✔ Overseeing the drafting and approval of presidential documents
✔ Coordinating between policy, legal, and communication teams
✔ Managing the flow of information reaching the President
✔ Ensuring executive actions align with the administration’s agenda
This makes him a gatekeeper of information, influencing decisions behind the scenes.
Scharf’s Legal and Political Background
Scharf’s journey to the White House includes several key positions:
- Trump’s Legal Team (2023-2024): He defended Trump in the election interference case brought by special counsel Jack Smith. The case ultimately led to a Supreme Court ruling granting broad immunity to U.S. presidents for official acts.
- Judicial Confirmations: During Trump’s first term, Scharf played a key role in confirming Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
- Missouri Politics: Scharf served as policy director for former Missouri Governor Eric Greitens and worked on Catherine Hanaway’s 2016 gubernatorial campaign.
- Education & Early Career: He graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School, later working as a federal prosecutor and a clerk for Judge Raymond Gruender.
Trump’s Inner Circle and Legal Allies
Trump’s administration includes several lawyers who previously defended him in court. Notably:
- Todd Blanche & Emil Bove – Former defense lawyers in Trump’s hush money case, now holding senior roles in the Justice Department.
- Scharf’s Role – His legal expertise and loyalty to Trump have earned him a top spot in the White House.
Controversies and Public Image
Scharf is not new to political controversy. In 2023, he co-founded Jews Against Soros, a group defending criticism of billionaire Democratic donor George Soros as not antisemitic. He has also appeared on television and written opinion pieces discussing Trump’s legal battles.
In 2024, he ran for Missouri Attorney General but lost to Andrew Bailey. His campaign ad—where he used a grenade launcher to destroy boxes labeled as Trump-related legal cases—gained widespread attention.
Will Scharf’s rise to power showcases his strong legal background and deep ties to Trump’s conservative agenda. As White House Staff Secretary, he holds a critical role in shaping policies and executive decisions.
His past experience in legal battles, judicial confirmations, and political strategy makes him a key player in Trump’s administration. As Trump moves forward with his second term, Scharf will likely remain a powerful behind-the-scenes figure.
