Ex-Biden Adviser Sparks Controversy with Criticism of Jean-Pierre, Deletes Tweet Amid Race and Intelligence Debate

As internal criticism grows, former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre finds herself at the center of a controversy following the release of her new book and her highly publicized shift from the Democratic Party to become an Independent. The latest round of scrutiny comes from ex-Biden administration officials, most notably from Timothy Wu, a Columbia Law professor and the Biden administration’s lead antitrust policy architect.

Wu, who has also held prominent roles in the Obama administration and at the Federal Trade Commission, sparked debate after a deleted post on X (formerly Twitter) where he referred to Jean-Pierre as “kinda dumb” and accused her of having little interest in grasping complex policy topics. “Just gave random incoherent answers on policy,” Wu wrote, amplifying concerns about Jean-Pierre’s preparedness and approach during her tenure as press secretary.

Following swift pushback on social media—with some replies labeling Wu’s comments as “pretty racist”—Wu clarified that his criticism was not about race, emphasizing that, in his view, the Biden White House “was full of genius-level Black women. [Jean-Pierre] was not one of them.” The episode highlighted ongoing tensions regarding both the substance and tone of internal assessments among former administration staff.

Amid the backlash, other former Biden officials also weighed in, deriding Jean-Pierre’s upcoming memoir as a “bizarre cash grab” and expressing skepticism about the book’s impact. One insider noted, “I wouldn’t ignore what Karine has to say, but it’s not an account in which much weight will be invested — just like her briefings,” signaling broader doubts about her credibility and influence within the administration.

Jean-Pierre’s departure from the Democratic Party and her announcement of the forthcoming book, titled Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines, have fueled further discussion. In her own statement, she justified her decision to leave the party by stressing the need for political independence and creative thinking amid what she described as mounting national challenges. "We need to be willing to exercise the ability to think creatively and plan strategically," she remarked, framing her move as part of a larger call for reform.

The ongoing controversy comes at a time of heightened scrutiny around the communications and leadership styles within the Biden White House, especially as several former officials publicly air grievances and contrasting perspectives. While Jean-Pierre’s supporters point to the significance of her voice and experience, critics appear unconvinced, suggesting her legacy—as both press secretary and author—may face significant hurdles in winning broader acceptance.