Story perspectives

Trump White House Prepares Executive Privilege Defense for Probes

9/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is preparing legal defenses for Democratic investigations after the 2026 midterms.
Will Scharf became White House counsel on Tuesday, tasked with shaping the response to Democratic probes.
A Justice Department memo dated August 10 argues executive privilege can shield Trump’s conversations with private advisers.
Alyssa DaCunha warned the White House could claim privilege over CEOs’ communications with Trump, complicating corporate testimony.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is preparing legal defenses for Democratic investigations after the 2026 midterms.
Will Scharf became White House counsel on Tuesday, tasked with shaping the response to Democratic probes.
A Justice Department memo dated August 10 argues executive privilege can shield Trump’s conversations with private advisers.
Alyssa DaCunha warned the White House could claim privilege over CEOs’ communications with Trump, complicating corporate testimony.