Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has made headlines by leaving the Democratic Party and declaring herself an Independent. This announcement came in June, following her time as a spokesperson for President Joe Biden. She served in this role from May 2022 until January 2025, where she often defended the administration’s policies and decisions.
In a press release about her new book, titled "Independent," Jean-Pierre explained her shift away from party loyalty. She expressed concern over what she sees as an unhealthy obsession with the two-party system in the U.S. Her book is set to be released one year after the 2024 election, and it aims to encourage Americans to look beyond party lines.
Jean-Pierre’s decision to leave the Democratic Party was not made lightly. She has worked under two presidents, Barack Obama and Joe Biden. In her book, she shares insights into the events leading up to Biden’s decision not to seek a second term, citing a sense of betrayal from the Democratic Party.
During her time as press secretary, Jean-Pierre faced criticism for her partisan comments, especially as the Biden administration dealt with significant issues like immigration, the Supreme Court’s decision on abortion, and LGBTQ rights. For instance, she described the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Dobbs v. Jackson case as "extreme," emphasizing the risks it posed to families and women’s rights.
Jean-Pierre also defended the administration’s approach to immigration, stating that they were not continuing the border wall projects initiated by the previous administration but rather addressing the issues left behind. This stance drew backlash from critics who argued that her comments did not reflect the reality at the border.
In her new role as an Independent, Jean-Pierre hopes to share her perspective on the political landscape and encourage a more open dialogue about governance. Her shift is notable, especially given her previous position as a high-profile representative of the Democratic Party. As she embarks on this new chapter, her experiences and insights will likely resonate with many who feel disillusioned by traditional party politics.