In what some are calling a last-ditch move to salvage credibility, Karine Jean-Pierre — former White House Press Secretary and longtime Democratic spokesperson — announced this week that she now identifies as politically Independent, claiming to have “outgrown the binary of left and right.”

But not everyone’s buying it.

Megyn Kelly, never one to hold back, exploded on her SiriusXM podcast with a reaction that quickly went viral:

“You’ve GOT to be kidding me,” Kelly said, visibly stunned. “Karine Jean-Pierre, the most partisan press secretary in modern history, is now suddenly ‘Independent’? That’s rich.”

The announcement, made via a glossy video posted to Jean-Pierre’s social media, features her walking through Washington D.C. landmarks while delivering a carefully worded monologue about “putting country over party” and “moving beyond political labels.” She never mentions the Democratic Party by name, nor does she disavow her past support for the Biden administration.

But Kelly wasn’t having it.

“This is not a rebrand — it’s a retreat,” Kelly told listeners. “She’s not stepping into independence. She’s running away from a record she can’t defend.”

Within minutes, the clip of Kelly’s response hit 3 million views on X (formerly Twitter), sparking nationwide debate about political authenticity, media spin, and what it even means to be “Independent” in 2025.

A Strategic Pivot?

Political analysts are divided over whether Jean-Pierre’s shift is sincere or simply strategic.

“She’s preparing for the next act,” said Dr. Allan Brenner, a professor of political communication at Georgetown University. “A move to media, a book deal, maybe even a run for office. She needs broader appeal beyond the DNC base.”

Indeed, insiders suggest Jean-Pierre has been in quiet talks with streaming platforms and publishers over the past few months, possibly eyeing a role as a public commentator — much like Jen Psaki, who transitioned to MSNBC.

But critics like Kelly say the timing is too convenient.

“She stood at that podium and gaslit reporters for two years straight,” Kelly said. “She read from a binder, dodged every hard question, and painted every critic as a villain. Now she wants to pretend she’s above it all? Sorry — we have receipts.”

The Internet Reacts

Social media, predictably, exploded.

One viral meme shows Jean-Pierre Photoshopped onto the poster for The Independent (a fictional political drama), with the caption: “Coming this fall — she answers no questions, takes no sides, and remembers nothing.”

Others were more supportive, praising the move as brave in an era of rising polarization.

“It takes courage to walk away from a political machine,” tweeted author and centrist activist Joel Ryan. “We need more people willing to challenge the system from within.”

But Megyn Kelly doubled down during a follow-up interview with The Daily Wire.

“Karine Jean-Pierre wants to be seen as brave,” Kelly said. “But where was this courage when it actually mattered? When people were losing their jobs, when press freedom was under assault, when the American public was desperate for truth?”

A Bigger Trend?

Interestingly, Jean-Pierre isn’t alone. Several public figures who once held partisan positions — from former RNC chair Michael Steele to Democratic strategist Tulsi Gabbard — have recently declared themselves “Independent,” citing disillusionment with party leadership.

Is this the start of a broader exodus from party politics?

“Possibly,” said political strategist Lila Gonzalez. “But the public is smart. They can smell the difference between evolution and opportunism.”

In Jean-Pierre’s case, the jury is still out.

The Legacy Question

At the height of her career, Karine Jean-Pierre was lauded as a trailblazer — the first Black, openly LGBTQ+ woman to serve as White House Press Secretary. She became a symbol of progress, representation, and Democratic ideals.

Now, some wonder whether this new direction will enhance or erode that legacy.

“She had a chance to inspire a new generation,” said progressive commentator Rashida Knox. “But this feels like a pivot for headlines, not healing.”

Still, Jean-Pierre seems unfazed by the backlash.

In a recent interview, she stood by her decision:

“I’ve spent years inside the machine. I’ve seen how partisanship breaks more than it builds. I’m choosing clarity over ideology, and truth over tribalism.”

Whether the public believes her — and whether Megyn Kelly will ever let her live it down — remains to be seen.

But one thing’s certain: this political rebrand has everyone talking, from cable news studios to kitchen tables across America.