Ex-White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Leaves Democratic Party

Karine Jean-Pierre, who served as White House Press Secretary from 2022 to 2025 under President Joe Biden, has officially left the Democratic Party to become an independent, according to her forthcoming book Independent. The memoir, set for release this October by Legacy Lit (an imprint of Hachette Book Group), includes her critique of blind party loyalty.

Jean-Pierre writes, "We must move beyond unquestioning allegiance to think clearly and demand accountability."

The first Black White House Press Secretary, took office in May 2022, succeeding Jen Psaki. ‍ূShe defended Biden’s policies on Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict, drawing global scrutiny.

Her departure follows the Democrats’ 2024 losses—including Biden’s defeat to Donald Trump and the party’s failure to retain Senate control. Jean-Pierre argues the party must "free itself from insular thinking" and "embrace strategic creativity" to address national challenges.

A longtime Biden ally, she joined his 2020 campaign after roles in the Obama White House and as communications chief for MoveOn.org.

The Democratic National Committee declined to comment on her exit.