Mercedes Schlapp

Mercedes Schlapp served as the Director of Specialty Media under President George W. Bush, a role she undertook after contributing to his presidential campaigns in 2000 and 2004. Her foundational expertise in political communications was built upon earning a Bachelor’s degree from Florida International University in 1994, followed by a Master of Public Administration from George Washington University. In 2009, Schlapp expanded her impact by co-founding Cove Strategies, a media strategy and lobbying firm based in Alexandria, Virginia, with her husband Matt Schlapp.

The firm specializes in providing media strategy advice to corporate and nonprofit organizations, with its lobbying activities concentrated on key areas such as telecommunications, trade, and health issues. Building on her strategic communications background, Schlapp served as a board member for the National Rifle Association of America, where she also provided consulting services, earning $60,000 in 2015 and $45,000 in 2016. In September 2017, she was appointed White House Director of Strategic Communications under President Donald Trump, a significant role she held until July 2019. During her tenure, Schlapp was instrumental in shaping the administration’s public narrative.

Currently, Mercedes Schlapp continues to be an influential voice in conservative discourse as a Senior Fellow for Foundation in the Conservative Political Action Conference. In this capacity, she also co-hosts CPAC 365, a weekly radio show, alongside her husband, further amplifying discussions on conservative principles and current events.