Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has written an article for Vanity Fair, giving readers a rare glimpse into her life behind the podium. In the article, Jean-Pierre reveals a private health battle that has had a significant impact on her and her family.
According to Jean-Pierre, her mother was diagnosed with stage II colon cancer in 2023, just a few months after attending the Bidens’ first state dinner. Jean-Pierre’s mother had always been private, and she initially asked her to keep her cancer diagnosis a secret. Only a few people at the White House, including President Biden, knew about her mother’s illness.
As Jean-Pierre navigated her mother’s care alongside her siblings, she was forced to juggle her White House responsibilities with her family duties. She would often drive to New York on weekends to visit her mother, returning late at night to catch a few hours of sleep before heading to the White House.
Despite her best efforts to keep her mother’s diagnosis private, Jean-Pierre claims that she was working under the “weight” of being a “first,” meaning a trailblazer in her position as a Black, queer, and Haitian American press secretary. She believes that sharing her mother’s diagnosis would have been seen as an excuse and that society does not allow women of color to be vulnerable at work.
Jean-Pierre’s article also touches on her experiences as press secretary, including her time in the White House briefing room, where she faced criticism for her handling of certain situations. She has been accused of downplaying controversy and using language that has been perceived as dismissive or defensive.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Jean-Pierre’s article is a powerful testament to her resilience and commitment to her role. As she leaves her position as press secretary, Jean-Pierre’s story serves as a reminder of the unseen struggles that many public figures face behind the scenes.
