Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre revealed in her upcoming memoir that she is leaving the Democratic Party and registering as an independent. The decision follows what she describes as the party’s mishandling of President Joe Biden during the closing phase of his 2024 reelection campaign.
Jean-Pierre wrote that she was shocked by Biden’s decision to step down and “angry and sad” at what she called a “firing squad” of party leaders who pressured him to exit. Her disillusionment culminated in a personal and political turning point.
“You know what? I’m going to become an independent. I don’t think I can stomach being in the Democratic Party anymore,” she wrote.
Her forthcoming book, Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines, is expected to detail internal tensions, Biden’s withdrawal from the race, and her evolving view of party politics. Jean-Pierre had spent her entire political career aligned with the Democratic Party, working for both the Obama and Biden administrations.
The announcement adds to mounting internal rifts within the Democratic Party, which has faced criticism for its leadership decisions and strategic handling of the 2024 election. Jean-Pierre’s account highlights a lack of unity and a power struggle that played out publicly as concerns grew over President Biden’s age and health.
Jean-Pierre’s break from the party may reflect a broader shift as more Americans—including high-profile officials—seek distance from traditional party affiliation. Her story adds to growing public awareness of dysfunction inside the Democratic leadership and raises questions about long-term stability within the party.
