New York, NY – Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has announced her departure from the Democratic Party, declaring herself an Independent and unveiling a forthcoming memoir titled Independent, set for release on October 21.
The announcement, made via a video on her Instagram account, comes amid heightened political turmoil following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and the return of Donald Trump to the Oval Office.
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According to publisher Hachette Book Group, based in New York City, Independent will offer a candid critique of America’s “broken two-party system” and chronicle Jean-Pierre’s personal and political evolution. The book encourages Americans to “embrace life as Independents” and rethink traditional party loyalties.
Jean-Pierre, a Queens, New York native who made history as the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ person to serve as White House press secretary, said she made the difficult decision to leave the Democratic Party after what she described as a betrayal by party leadership. The book recounts the chaotic three-week period leading up to Biden’s decision to end his re-election campaign—an outcome spurred by mounting concerns about his cognitive health following a widely criticized debate performance in June 2024.
“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,” the publisher revealed in a press statement.
“This book, Independent, is about looking outside of boxes, not just always being in a partisan stance,” Jean-Pierre said in her video, explaining her decision to forge a new political path.
Before serving under Biden, Jean-Pierre held senior roles on both of President Barack Obama’s winning campaigns and was chief of staff to Kamala Harris during her 2020 vice-presidential run. She became White House press secretary in 2022 following the departure of Jen Psaki, who left for a prominent role at MSNBC.
Jean-Pierre’s Independent is expected to provide an unflinching inside look at recent developments within the Democratic Party and challenge readers to explore political independence as a meaningful alternative.
