Cheri Jacobus is a seasoned American political strategist, writer, and media commentator. She is known for her candid and often contrarian perspectives within the Republican establishment, particularly her outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump. Jacobus identifies as a registered independent and has been a prominent voice among the “Never Trump” faction.
She has held various roles, including spokesperson for the Republican National Committee and Communications Director for the House Education and Workforce Committee following the 1994 GOP takeover. Jacobus also founded Capitol Strategies PR in 1998, offering consulting services to political campaigns and public affairs initiatives.
Jacobus is a frequent guest on major networks such as CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, and CBS, providing political analysis from a right-of-center viewpoint. She has contributed to publications including The Hill, USA Today, The Guardian, The Daily Beast, and the New York Daily News.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Upbringing
Cheri Jacobus was born in the early 1960s in Peoria, Illinois. Details about her early life and family background remain private, contributing to her preference for maintaining a low profile regarding personal matters.
Academic Background
Jacobus graduated from West Virginia University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. In 1988, she furthered her education by completing a year-long campaign management program at the American Campaign Academy, an intensive course often referred to as the “West Point of Politics” by Newsweek.
Professional Career
Political Consulting and Strategy
In 1998, Jacobus founded Capitol Strategies PR, a Washington-based consulting and public affairs firm. The firm provided strategic communications, media relations, and public affairs services to political campaigns, grassroots organizations, and policy initiatives.
Her political experience includes serving as a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee and as Communications Director for the House Education and Workforce Committee following the 1994 GOP takeover. She also managed and advised several noteworthy political campaigns, including serving as campaign manager and chief political strategist for Wayne Gilchrest’s successful congressional bid in 1988.
Media Presence and Commentary
Jacobus has been a long-time and frequent guest on major media outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, CBS.com, CNBC, FBN, HLN, and C-Span, offering political opinion and analysis from a Republican perspective. She has been quoted in national publications including USA Today, The Washington Times, Daily Caller, and Human Events.
Academic Involvement
Since 2007, Jacobus has served as an adjunct professor at George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management, where she teaches courses related to political communication and strategy.
Podcast and Media Projects
“Politics With Cheri Jacobus”
Jacobus hosts the podcast “Politics With Cheri Jacobus,” where she provides unfiltered political commentary and interviews with key figures. The podcast is available on Patreon, offering subscribers exclusive content and insights into current political events.
“America Reads The Mueller Report”
She is the founder and executive producer of “America Reads The Mueller Report,” a project aimed at educating the public on Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s findings. The initiative involved a half-hour program for local television networks to present facts to people who might not have read the report and only heard about its summary from the mainstream media.
Controversies
2018 Social Media Incident
In 2018, Jacobus faced backlash for a controversial tweet directed at Republican consultant Michael Caputo’s daughter, suggesting that Caputo’s daughters could be used at “parties” by Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The tweet led to USA Today and The Hill severing ties with Jacobus. Jacobus later explained that the tweet was a response to personal attacks she had received.
Legal Dispute with Trump’s Campaign
In 2016, Jacobus filed a defamation lawsuit against Donald Trump, his presidential campaign, and campaign manager Corey Lewandowski. She alleged that they falsely claimed she had begged for a job and then became hostile when they refused. The lawsuit demanded $4 million in damages.
Personal Life
Health Challenges
In early 2021, Jacobus was diagnosed with cancer. A lymph node biopsy showed a “high mitotic metastatic malignancy.” The doctors were unable to find the primary tumor but suggested a treatment course of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. As a single woman without spousal income, a friend initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help with her medical expenses.
Family
Jacobus has shared that her mother is 87 and her father is 90, indicating a close relationship with her family.
Social Media Presence
Jacobus maintains an active presence on social media platforms, where she shares political commentary and engages with followers. Her Twitter handle is @CheriJacobus. She also has a Facebook profile at Cheri Jacobus.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, estimates of Jacobus’s net worth vary, with some sources suggesting it is around $2 million. Her income is derived from her consulting firm, media appearances, podcast, and other ventures. Specific details about her salary are not publicly disclosed.
Conclusion
Cheri Jacobus is a seasoned political strategist and commentator whose career has been marked by her willingness to challenge party lines and offer independent analysis. Despite facing controversies and health challenges, she continues to be an influential voice in American political discourse.
FAQs
What is Cheri Jacobus known for?
Cheri Jacobus is known for her work as a political strategist, media commentator, and podcast host.
Where did Cheri Jacobus go to college?
She graduated from West Virginia University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism.
Has Cheri Jacobus worked in academia?
Yes, she has been an adjunct professor at George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management since 2007.
What is the name of Cheri Jacobus’s podcast?
Her podcast is called “Politics With Cheri Jacobus.”
What is Cheri Jacobus’s current health status?
She was diagnosed with cancer in early 2021 and has been undergoing treatment.
Is Cheri Jacobus married?
No, she is currently not married.
Where can I follow Cheri Jacobus online?
You can follow her on Twitter at @CheriJacobus and on Facebook at Cheri Jacobus.
