Who is Karine Jean-Pierre?

Karine Jean-Pierre Leaves Democratic Party to Become Independent

Former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has announced that she is leaving the Democratic Party to become an independent. This decision comes as the party faces internal conflicts and challenges following President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.

According to a book preview, Jean-Pierre will detail in her forthcoming book "Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines" the weeks leading up to Biden's decision to withdraw from the election. The book is set to be published this fall by Legacy Lit, a Hachette Book Group imprint.

Jean-Pierre served as White House press secretary for two Democratic administrations and was the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ+ person to hold the position. She has been critical of the party's handling of Biden's decision to seek a second term despite concerns about his age and health.

In comments since leaving the White House, Jean-Pierre described Democrats' response to Biden's disastrous June debate against Trump as a "firing squad." She has also stated that she did not arrive at her decision to leave the Democratic party lightly, but instead sees it as necessary for Americans to step beyond party lines and embrace life as independents.

The book is expected to make the case for why Americans must step beyond party lines to save democracy. Jean-Pierre's decision to leave the Democratic Party is part of a growing trend of Americans who do not identify as Democrats or Republicans, with 43% considering themselves independent according to the latest Gallup poll.

Background

Karine Jean-Pierre served as White House press secretary from May 2022 to January 2025. She was the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ+ person to hold the position. Prior to her stint in the Biden White House, Jean-Pierre worked for the Obama administration and for the progressive organization MoveOn.

Key Takeaways

• Karine Jean-Pierre has announced that she is leaving the Democratic Party to become an independent.
• Her book "Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines" will detail the weeks leading up to Biden's decision to withdraw from the election.
• The book is set to be published this fall by Legacy Lit, a Hachette Book Group imprint.
• Jean-Pierre has been critical of the party's handling of Biden's decision to seek a second term despite concerns about his age and health.