Former Biden Adviser Criticizes Jean-Pierre as 'Kinda Dumb,' Deletes Tweet and Denies She Is a 'Genius-Level Black Woman'
Columbia professor Timothy Wu faces backlash after deleting and reaffirming a controversial tweet criticizing Karine Jean-Pierre's intelligence.
Former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is facing a wave of criticism from within President Joe Biden's orbit as she embarks on a new chapter as an Independent and readies the release of her forthcoming book. The turmoil burst into public view after Timothy Wu, a former Biden antitrust advisor and prominent legal scholar, described Jean-Pierre as "kinda dumb" in a now-deleted social media post—though he later voiced support for the underlying sentiment.
Wu, renowned for coining the term "net neutrality" and playing a pivotal role in shaping Biden’s antitrust policy, did not mince words about his former colleague’s White House tenure. He accused Jean-Pierre of displaying little interest in grasping complex policy issues and giving "random incoherent answers" during press briefings. These remarks sparked immediate backlash on social media, including accusations of racism, but Wu elaborated that the White House was "full of genius-level Black women," adding pointedly, "Jean-Pierre was not one of them."
The controversy deepened as several former Biden officials openly disparaged Jean-Pierre’s upcoming book, characterizing it as a "bizarre cash grab" and expressing skepticism about its significance. One individual remarked, "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." The criticism has cast a spotlight on Jean-Pierre’s recent announcement that she is leaving the Democratic Party and will now chart a path as an Independent. In promotional material for her book, "Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines," Jean-Pierre describes her decision as a response to the need for more creative and strategic thinking beyond partisan boundaries.
In the midst of this escalating fallout, some colleagues defended Jean-Pierre against the harshest attacks. Symone Sanders Townsend, another former Biden advisor, argued that labeling Jean-Pierre as "dumb" or "stupid" crosses an unacceptable line, even as she acknowledged that valid criticisms can be made of how Jean-Pierre performed her duties as press secretary.
The public airing of these disputes underscores the tensions simmering within President Biden’s inner circle, especially as prominent figures reposition themselves in anticipation of the next phase of their careers. With Jean-Pierre stepping out as an Independent and author, and others quick to challenge her legacy, the episode highlights both ideological rifts and personal animosities in Democratic politics as the party approaches a period of transition.
As the release date of Jean-Pierre’s book nears, all eyes remain on her next moves—and on whether more voices from the Biden administration will join the chorus of critics or come to her defense.
