Former Biden Press Secretary Jean-Pierre Leaves Democratic Party
Plans October book release detailing decision to register as independent
Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has announced her decision to leave the Democratic Party and register as an independent, according to a press release for her upcoming book. Jean-Pierre, who served as the public face of the Biden administration until January 20, 2025, will detail her reasoning in a book titled "Independent: A look inside a broken White House, outside the party lines," scheduled for release in October. The publisher notes that Jean-Pierre's decision to become an independent was not made lightly.
Jean-Pierre's announcement comes during a challenging period for Democrats following their losses in the 2024 presidential election and both chambers of Congress. According to the book's description, it will address what Jean-Pierre views as "the betrayal by the Democratic Party" that led to President Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. In a statement, Jean-Pierre explained that after leaving her official role, she determined that current national challenges require "freeing ourselves of boxes."
KEY POINTS
- •Jean-Pierre registers as independent
- •Book release planned for October
- •First Black, openly gay press secretary
The former press secretary has an extensive history working with prominent Democratic figures. Prior to her White House role, Jean-Pierre served as chief of staff to then-vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris and worked on Barack Obama's presidential campaigns. Jean-Pierre made history as the first Black woman and first openly gay person to serve as White House press secretary when President Biden appointed her to the position in 2022 following Jen Psaki's departure.
Despite the book's subtitle referencing "a broken White House," Jean-Pierre consistently defended the Biden administration during her tenure as press secretary. In her final press briefings, she characterized Biden's presidency as "historic" and claimed he accomplished "more in one term than most presidents have been able to do in two terms." In a recent Instagram video, Jean-Pierre urged people to "stop thinking in boxes" and "not be so partisan" as she explained her decision to "follow my own compass."
The Democratic National Committee has declined to comment on Jean-Pierre's departure from the party. A spokesperson for Biden's personal office did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the announcement. Jean-Pierre's book is being published by Legacy Lit, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.