Biden's former press sec Karine Jean-Pierre ditches Dems to become Independent

On Wednesday, former Biden White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced that she has switched her political party from Democrat to Independent. Her decision to change her political affiliation will be detailed in her forthcoming book, "Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines," which is scheduled to be released in October by Hachette Book Group's Legacy Lit imprint.

The book, described as a "groundbreaking, revelatory assessment of America's broken two-party system," discusses the aftermath of former President Biden's abysmal 2024 presidential debate performance that led to him abandoning his bid, which would ultimately result in Jean-Pierre exiting the Democratic Party.

"Jean-Pierre didn't come to her decision to be an independent lightly," a description of the book from the publisher said. "She takes us through the three weeks that led to Biden's abandoning his bid for a second term and the betrayal by the Democratic Party that led to his decision."

Jean-Pierre, 50, was Biden's White House press secretary from May 2022 to January 2025. Democrats lauded her appointment since it made her the first black and openly LGBTQ person to hold the position. Jean-Pierre also served in former President Barack Obama's administration.

While the author has faced criticism for her lack of transparency while serving in one of the most public-facing roles as press secretary, as well as being accused of assisting in the Biden cognitive cover-up scandal by providing misinformation to the American people surrounding the former president's mental health, the publisher added the Jean-Pierre "presents clear arguments and provocative evidence as an insider about the importance of dismantling the torrent of disinformation and misinformation that has been rampant in recent elections and provides inside for moving forward."

Jean-Pierre released a video posted to Instagram on Wednesday explaining her decision to go Independent.

"I think we need to stop thinking in boxes and think outside of our boxes and not be so partisan," she said. "The way that I see moving forward in this space that we're in right now is if you are willing to stand side by side with me, regardless of how you identify politically - and as long as you respect the community that I belong to and vulnerable communities that I respect - I will be there with you. I will move forward with you."

Jean-Pierre's decision comes as the Democratic Party has faced an ongoing struggle with its identity. Several prominent Democrats across the nation have changed their political affiliations following the 2024 Presidential Election, announcing switches to both Independent and Republican.

In February, Jean-Pierre criticized Democrats for pressuring Biden to exit the presidential race, saying at the time, "I'd never seen a party do that in the way that they did, and it was hurtful and sad to see that happening, a firing squad around a person who I believe was a true patriot."

Speaking on Jean-Pierre's move to Independent, CNN's Scott Jennings said, "I'd like to congratulate Democrats for ridding yourselves of this untalented mediocrity. I mean this is the most self-aggrandizing liar that has ever held this job."