President Trump appoints Will Scharf as White House Counsel while the Senate passes a stopgap funding bill to prevent a government shutdown ahead of the November midterms.
The federal government moved closer to a temporary fiscal reprieve early Saturday as the Senate passed a short-term funding measure, known as a continuing resolution, in a 90–6 vote. The bill aims to sustain government operations through December 11, effectively pushing the threat of a federal shutdown past the upcoming November midterm elections. While the White House issued a statement of administration policy urging support for the measure, the path to enactment remains complicated by a competing House version that expires one week earlier, on December 4. The discrepancy between the two chambers necessitates a reconciliation process that leaves the finality of the shutdown avoidance in doubt as the late-September deadline approaches.
Constitutionalists will note a significant provision tucked into the Senate bill: a block on a White House proposal that would have allowed political appointees to review and approve federal grants. This legislative maneuver highlights the ongoing friction between the executive branch’s desire for centralized control and the legislature’s prerogative to maintain oversight of the administrative state. By including this restriction, the Senate has signaled a bipartisan reluctance to cede further discretionary power to the executive branch, even as they cooperate to keep the doors of government open during a high-stakes election cycle.
Inside the West Wing, President Trump has initiated a significant leadership transition within his legal team. Will Scharf, currently serving as White House staff secretary, has been named White House Counsel and Assistant to the President, effective September 1. Scharf replaces David Warrington, who is departing for the private sector after serving as general counsel for the 2024 campaign and leading the White House legal office. In his announcement, the President characterized Scharf as “tough, strong, and smart,” a description that aligns with Scharf’s reputation as a disciplined advocate for executive authority.
Scharf, a Harvard Law graduate and former federal prosecutor, is widely recognized as a key architect behind the legal strategy that secured the Supreme Court’s presidential immunity ruling. His elevation suggests the administration is bracing for an intensification of congressional investigations and legal challenges. By selecting a counsel with a proven track record of defending executive authority in the highest courts, the President appears to be fortifying the executive branch against potential oversight surges following the midterms. The role of White House Counsel is central to the administration’s regulatory rollbacks and responses to subpoenas, making Scharf’s appointment a strategic move for the long-term protection of the executive office.
In other Senate business, the chamber confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General in a narrow 50-49 vote on August 8. The confirmation follows a period of intense scrutiny and reflects the slim margins currently defining the balance of power in Washington. Additionally, the Senate passed a significant Russia sanctions package, named in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, following over a year of negotiations. These actions, coupled with the funding debate, underscore a Capitol focused on clearing the legislative deck before the political focus shifts entirely to the campaign trail.
Beyond the Beltway, the political landscape continues to shift as the Michigan Democratic Senate primary concluded with Abdul El-Sayed defeating Representative Haley Stevens. The victory has drawn significant attention from the Democratic establishment, with endorsements following from Governor Gretchen Whitmer and former Vice President Kamala Harris. As the administration manages these domestic political shifts, it also faces mounting international pressure. Iran recently announced it is nearing an agreement with Oman regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz, though it has conditioned the reopening of the vital waterway on U.S. compensation. This development adds another layer of complexity to the administration’s foreign policy agenda as it navigates a crowded legislative and legal calendar.
Miles Harrington serves as the Senior Correspondent for Federal Systems & Executive Power at Just Right News, where he brings a disciplined, constitutionalist lens to the inner workings of the American government. With a focus on the mechanics of the federal bureaucracy and the limits of executive authority, Harrington has established himself as a vital voice for readers who value transparency, accountability, and the preservation of the separation of powers.
A native of Richmond, Virginia, Harrington’s perspective is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Old Dominion. Growing up in a city defined by its historical significance and its role as a center of American jurisprudence, he developed an early appreciation for the foundational principles of the Republic. His upbringing in Richmond—a place where the legacy of the Founding Fathers is woven into the landscape—instilled in him a belief that the federal government should remain within its constitutional bounds. This background informs his skepticism of centralized overreach and his commitment to reporting on the ways in which the administrative state impacts the lives of everyday citizens.
In his current role, Harrington specializes in the complexities of federal systems. He doesn’t just report on the headlines of the day; he digs into the structural shifts within the executive branch that often go unnoticed by the mainstream press. Whether he is analyzing the implications of a new federal regulation or investigating the expansion of agency jurisdiction, his work is characterized by a rigorous adherence to the facts and a dedication to the rule of law.
Harrington is perhaps best known for his signature feature series, “How Washington Works.” Through this ongoing project, he demystifies the often-opaque processes of the nation’s capital, pulling back the curtain on the “Deep State” and the unelected officials who wield significant influence over national policy. By breaking down complex legislative maneuvers and executive orders, he empowers Just Right News readers to understand the true levers of power in Washington. His reporting serves as a necessary check on the federal government, ensuring that the actions of those in power are held up to the light of public scrutiny.
Now based in Washington, D.C., Harrington operates at the epicenter of the political world, yet he remains intentionally distanced from the “Beltway bubble.” His proximity to the halls of power allows him to maintain a robust network of sources across the federal landscape, but his heart remains in the principled conservatism of his Virginia roots. He views his role not merely as a reporter, but as a steward of the public trust, dedicated to providing the clarity and context that conservative voters need to navigate an increasingly complex political environment.
Through his sharp analysis and unwavering commitment to the truth, Miles Harrington continues to be a cornerstone of the Just Right News team. His work ensures that the principles of limited government and executive restraint remain at the forefront of the national conversation, providing a crucial service to those who believe in a government that is truly of, by, and for the people.