Karine Jean-Pierre, once the voice of the Biden White House, has just dropped a political bombshell by declaring herself an independent.
Fox News reported that Jean-Pierre, who served as White House press secretary under President Joe Biden, announced on Wednesday that she’s stepping away from the Democratic Party while unveiling a new book titled "Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines," set for release in October.
Let’s roll back the clock to her time behind the podium, where as early as 2022, Jean-Pierre was brushing off concerns about Biden’s fitness for office.
“He's the President of the United States,” she quipped to a reporter back then, sidestepping any real discussion. Well, dodging tough questions might work for a press conference, but reality has a way of catching up.
Her journey from a staunch Democratic operative—having worked on the 2020 Biden-Harris campaign and for the far-left advocacy group MoveOn—to registering as an independent is no small pivot. It’s a head-scratcher for many on the right who’ve long viewed her as a mouthpiece for progressive talking points.
In a video shared on Instagram, Jean-Pierre explained her decision with a call to action: “What I have decided to do... is to follow my own compass.” A noble sentiment, sure, but one wonders if this compass was recalibrated only after the Democratic ship started sinking.
The book, according to its description, will dive into the messy three weeks leading up to Biden’s decision to abandon his bid for a second term.
It promises to expose what Jean-Pierre calls a betrayal by her former party that pushed him out. That’s a bold claim, and conservatives might nod knowingly at the idea of party elites playing hardball.
Speaking of hardball, Jean-Pierre didn’t mince words in February when she accused Democrats of turning on Biden like a “firing squad.” That’s a vivid image of internal party warfare, and for those of us skeptical of establishment politics, it’s a reminder that loyalty in D.C. is often skin-deep.
She elaborated in that same statement, describing the ordeal as “hurtful and sad” to witness against someone she views as a patriot. While her admiration for Biden is clear, many on the right might argue his leadership left much to be desired long before any party infighting.
Jean-Pierre’s book also aims to offer a path forward for Americans frustrated with the current political landscape under the Trump administration, per her Instagram video.
It’s a lofty goal, but conservatives might question whether her newfound independence is truly about bridging divides or just rebranding after a tough exit.
In her video, she urged folks to stand with her “regardless of how you identify politically,” as long as mutual respect for vulnerable communities is upheld.
That’s a fair ask on the surface, but the devil’s in the details when it comes to defining ‘respect’ in today’s hyper-charged cultural debates.
The book’s description suggests Jean-Pierre wants Americans to move beyond rigid partisan lines, a message that could resonate if it weren’t coming from someone who spent years defending one side’s agenda. Still, credit where it’s due—acknowledging the brokenness of political tribes is a start.
Reflecting on her tenure, Jean-Pierre told The Associated Press, “Until January 20, I was responsible for speaking on behalf of the President... I determined that the danger we face as a country requires freeing ourselves of boxes.” It’s a dramatic pivot, but skeptics might see this as less about principle and more about a well-timed memoir launch.
Jean-Pierre’s decision to leave the Democratic Party, as noted in the book’s description, wasn’t made on a whim. While her frustration with party politics might echo some conservative critiques of establishment gamesmanship, her track record as a defender of progressive policies leaves room for doubt about her new independent streak.