Ex Biden Press Secretary Jean-Pierre Switches From Democrat to Independent
Washington (Reuters) – Karine Jean-Pierre, the former White House Press Secretary under President Joe Biden, has officially left the Democratic Party and now identifies as an independent, according to her book publisher.
Jean-Pierre, who made history as the first Black and openly gay person to serve as the White House press secretary, held the position from May 2022 until 2025. Her forthcoming book, Independent, is set to be published in October by Legacy Lit, an imprint of the Hachette Book Group.
In a preview shared by the publisher, Jean-Pierre expressed her reasons for stepping away from the Democratic Party.
“We need to be clear-eyed and questioning, rather than blindly loyal and obedient as we may have been in the past,” she stated.
Her time behind the podium saw her defending key U.S. policies on global matters, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Her statements were often broadcast worldwide, making her one of the most visible figures in the Biden administration.
Following the Democratic Party’s loss in the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump and the subsequent loss of control of the Senate, many party leaders have been reflecting on their strategy and direction.
Jean-Pierre seems to be among those reevaluating her political path.
“I determined that the danger we face as a country requires freeing ourselves of boxes,” she added. “We need to be willing to think creatively and plan strategically.”
Before her role as Press Secretary, Jean-Pierre was a prominent figure in Democratic politics. She worked on Biden’s 2020 campaign, served in the Obama White House, and was a senior leader at MoveOn.org, a progressive advocacy group.
The Democratic National Committee has declined to comment on her decision to go independent.
Source: Reuters.com
