Former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has officially left the Democratic Party, announcing her new status as an independent. This significant shift comes alongside the release of her upcoming book, "Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines," set to hit shelves on October 21.

In a press release from Legacy Lit, a division of Hachette Book Group, Jean-Pierre expressed her desire to move beyond traditional party affiliations. She stated, "I determined that the danger we face as a country requires freeing ourselves of boxes. We need to be willing to exercise the ability to think creatively and plan strategically."

Jean-Pierre, who served as press secretary from May 2022 until the end of President Joe Biden's term, made history as the first Black woman and openly gay person to hold the position. She previously worked under both Biden and former President Barack Obama in various roles, including deputy press secretary and senior adviser during Biden's successful 2020 campaign.

Reflecting on her transition to private citizen status, Jean-Pierre remarked, "Until January 20, I was responsible for speaking on behalf of the President of the United States. At noon on that day, I became a private citizen who, like all Americans and many of our allies around the world, had to contend with what was to come next for our country."

Her departure from the Democratic Party coincides with the party's efforts to regain momentum following losses in the 2024 elections. In her book, Jean-Pierre promises to provide an insider's perspective on the events leading to Biden's decision not to seek reelection, describing it as a result of "the betrayal by the Democratic Party that led to his decision."

The book aims to challenge the two-party system and address the rampant disinformation that has plagued recent elections. According to the publisher, Jean-Pierre will present "clear arguments and provocative evidence" to support her claims.

Jean-Pierre's candid insights and experiences as a former press secretary could make her book one of the few notable publications from individuals who have held that position. Her announcement has already drawn comparisons to Scott McLellan, who gained attention for his critical take on the Bush administration in his 2008 memoir, "What Happened."

As Jean-Pierre embarks on this new chapter, her book is anticipated to spark discussions about the future of American politics and the role of independent voices in a polarized landscape.