American lawyer and current U.S. solicitor general since 2025
The Department of Justice has asked the Supreme Court to let construction on the president's 90,000 sq ft White House ballroom continue while courts hear challenges. A federal appeals court last week upheld an injunction requiring congressional approval for above‑ground work and stayed that order for 14 days. The administration argues the project includes vital security and military features and is roughly two‑thirds complete.
President Donald Trump has named Will Scharf as White House counsel and assistant to the president, effective Sept. 1. Scharf has served as White House staff secretary and chaired the National Capital Planning Commission; he has represented Trump in major cases, including at the Supreme Court. The change comes weeks after Trump elevated other former personal lawyers to senior legal roles.
The DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel has issued an opinion stating the president can exert executive privilege over communications with private advisers, including outside individuals. The memo argues confidentiality is essential for rapid decisionmaking, with potential implications for subpoenas and investigations if Democrats regain Congress.
Chief Justice John Roberts has issued a temporary order allowing construction on the White House ballroom to continue while the Supreme Court considers an emergency appeal. Lower courts had ordered a halt, finding the project requires congressional approval. The administration argues the work is vital to national security; preservationists say Trump acted without legal authority.
The government has sought to dismiss the Bannon contempt case, but District Judge Carl Nichols has ruled that the request is insufficiently explained. The DOJ is free to renew a properly argued motion. The broader Capitol riot investigations continue to shape the legal landscape as Trump-era clemencies leave lingering political reverberations.
The Supreme Court has allowed construction on the White House private ballroom to continue while legal challenges proceed. The National Trust for Historic Preservation argues President Trump lacks unilateral authority; the administration contends the project is essential for national security. Completion timelines are still tight, with full completion expected in 2028.
The Supreme Court has allowed ongoing construction of the White House East Wing ballroom to continue pending further litigation, while leaving questions about presidential authority unresolved. The National Trust for Historic Preservation challenged the project, arguing it lacks congressional approval. Multiple outlets report the court’s ruling and outline timelines, with work described as advancing toward completion in 2028.
A three‑judge panel of the 1st US Circuit Court of Appeals has largely upheld a lower court ruling that found the Department of Homeland Security’s third‑country removal policy unlawful, saying migrants must get a meaningful chance to raise safety concerns before removal. The panel narrowed one part of the decision on procedural grounds. The administration is expected to appeal.
The administration has directed that imprisoned transgender women be housed in men's facilities and has barred gender-transition treatments. Lower courts have blocked the policy, requiring ongoing hormone therapy for transgender inmates as lawsuits proceed. The Supreme Court has been asked to intervene on an emergency basis, with a response due by Oct. 8.
A U.S. appeals court has largely upheld a February decision finding the Department of Homeland Security’s third-country removal policy unlawful. The ruling requires migrants to have a meaningful opportunity to raise safety concerns before removal, overturning part of the prior ruling on procedural grounds. The DHS plans to appeal as officials push ahead with a controversial policy that has drawn widespread scrutiny.
The government has argued that Big Bend warrants swift construction to deter illegal entry, while opponents say waivers and environmental concerns must be heeded. Court injunctions have halted work, and the administration is appealing to higher courts to resume progress. The dispute centers on waivers and the environmental protections surrounding Big Bend National Park.